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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
SOUTH Africa kwaito legend Senyaka Kekana popularly known for hit songs Fong Kong, Tshisa Mpama and Satane O’ Maponapona has died. He was 58. The musician’s death was announced on Twitter yesterday by South Africa’s Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile Mbalula.

“Just got the news from @djmahoota that the legendary Senyaka “moruti Wa tsotsi” is no more. What a loss, great entertainer, #RIP Senyaka. The cause of his death is still unknown,” tweeted Mbalula on his Twitter handle, @MbalulaFikile.

According to close friends, Senyaka was unwell last month when they were shooting the Tshisa Mpama remix.

“Throughout the video shoot he wasn’t feeling well, complaining that his stomach was sore. We had to stop and let him rest. That’s all we noticed from him,” a friend said.

Department of Arts and Culture spokesperson, Sandile Mamela told eNCA news yesterday that he was shocked by Senyaka’s death.

“We’re supposed to be commemorating human rights month and we seem to be losing lives. The human rights month is characterised by death and death and reburials, especially of creative intellectuals,” Mamela said.

He said the ministry was saddened by the loss of an icon who was celebrated in many South African townships.

“The Minister (Mbalula) is aware that Senyaka was an iconic figure and a legendary personality. We noticed he was grounded and lived in the township where he was larger than life.

“He’ll always be renowned and celebrated for his music that was connected to the township,” Mamela said.

“Senyaka was an expression of the ghetto experience and there’s no doubt he enhanced our diversity as a nation. He contributed to the development, growth and popularity of music in the country.

“We’ve no doubt as a ministry that we’re poorer because of his passing as he played his role in terms of helping the country be a better place than 1994.”

Mamela said although there was no government policy to assist with burial expenses of artistes, they would consider doing so if his family approaches the ministry.

Senyaka will be remembered for his highly entertaining stage antics and his public spats with the late Brenda Fassie in the early 90s. His death comes barely two weeks after the murder of Skwatta Kamp member Flabba.