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Johannesburg - Kwaito singer Brown Dash was an inspiration to many young people, the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) said on Thursday.
"Young people found solace in his music, and his artistic performances resonated with their personal circumstances," spokesperson Magdalene Moonsamy said in a statement.
The singer, whose real name was Simphiwe Mpamile, died at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Wednesday.
The Sowetan reported he had been in and out of hospital since 2010, when he was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Desperate for a change
His manager Simphiwe Sibisi said funeral arrangements had not been finalised. "I will meet the family this afternoon [Thursday] about it."
Brown Dash shot to fame in 2002 singing alongside the masked Mzekezeke on the hit Sguqa Ngamadolo.
His debut album Umthandazo Wabolova won the best kwaito award at the 2005 SA Music Awards (SAMAs).
His last studio album, Back2Kasi, failed to match the success of his earlier work, but he continued to be held in high regard in the business, especially among his kwaito peers.
He performed at the 18th SAMAs at Sun City, in North West, two weeks ago.
Moonsamy said the ANCYL was deeply saddened at his untimely death.
"His death comes at a time when young people in particular are confronted by many life-threatening illnesses and poor social conditions."
She said Brown Dash's lyrics showed the problems faced by young people, in conditions of neglect and helplessness.
She said in his song Phans'komthunzi welanga ngiblome namagenge, Brown Dash painted a reflection of a society in which the youth was desolate and desperate for a change in policies to better their livelihoods.
"In his music, we were convinced more than ever to relentlessly pursue economic freedom in our lifetime."
