Johannesburg - World renowned singer/songwriter Joe "Kolie" Mogotsi has died.
Joe Mogotsi passed away in hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning, following a short illness. He was 87 years old.
"Kolie", as he was affectionately known to his colleagues and friends in the music industry, was a prolific composer and lead singer of the globally renowned The Manhattan Brothers.
The Manhattan Brothers, formed in the early 30s, and was one of the most influential groups in the history of South African music.
The Manhattan Brothers consisted of four vocalists: Joe Mogotsi, Rufus Khoza, Ronnie Sehume and Nathan ‘Dambuza’ Mdledle.
The only surviving member of the band, currently based in the UK, Rufus Khoza, said on Thursday of Mogotsi’s passing "Man, I cannot believe this. So now, I’m the only one left."
Some of South Africa's greatest musicians that have performed or recorded with the group over the years include Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Mackay Davashe, Kippie Moeketsi and Jonas Gwangwa.
Joe Mogotsi passed away in hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning, following a short illness. He was 87 years old.
"Kolie", as he was affectionately known to his colleagues and friends in the music industry, was a prolific composer and lead singer of the globally renowned The Manhattan Brothers.
The Manhattan Brothers, formed in the early 30s, and was one of the most influential groups in the history of South African music.
The Manhattan Brothers consisted of four vocalists: Joe Mogotsi, Rufus Khoza, Ronnie Sehume and Nathan ‘Dambuza’ Mdledle.
The only surviving member of the band, currently based in the UK, Rufus Khoza, said on Thursday of Mogotsi’s passing "Man, I cannot believe this. So now, I’m the only one left."
Some of South Africa's greatest musicians that have performed or recorded with the group over the years include Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Mackay Davashe, Kippie Moeketsi and Jonas Gwangwa.