Kwaito legend dies after long illness

Phants’ komthunzi welanga hitmaker Brown Dash (real name Siphiwe Mpamile) died in Johannesburg’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Wednesday.

It is believed that the kwaito star had been suffering from an unknown illness for a long time. In 2010, he was hospitalised after complaining of chest pains and breathing problems. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia and had liquid drained from his lungs.

The 33-year-old got his nickname from his love of brown car dashboards. He became famous in 2002 after singing alongside the masked Mzekezeke.

He had earlier featured in Mapaputsi’s smash hit Izinja. In 2003, he worked with producer DJ Cleo on his first single Puff ‘n Pass, which was followed shortly by his debut album Umthandazo Wabolova. The album won him the Best Kwaito Award at the 2005 South African Music Awards.

His third album Dashboard bombed in 2007 and Brown Dash left TS Records in an acrimonious split. His last studio album Back2Kasi also failed to match the success of his earlier work.

His final “goodbye” performance to his fans was when he sang and danced alongside fellow kwaito artists Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng, Bricks, Skhokho, and Madluphutu to perform the hit Ngeke Balunge at the South African Music Awards.

News of his death broke on Wednesday evening on social network Twitter when celebrities expressed messages of condolences.

Kwaito artist Bricks tweeted: “RIP. Brown Dash. Sohlala sikuthanda. (We’ll always love you).”

“A kwaito legend gone too soon! May he rest in peace!” tweeted producer and rapper Psyfo.

“Another fallen soldier Brown Dash R.I.P Boy!!!,” tweeted R’n’B muso, Verd Eaton.

Other celebrities, including Bonang Matheba and Kwela Tebza, joined in sending condolences.

“Another Legendary artist gone… All that is left is memories and maybe a hologram… Rest In Peace Brown Dash. Love you always friend” tweeted DJQness.