Publications
Partners
Johannesburg – For all the joy and success, 2015 was a year of tears in the SA entertainment industry with several celebs passing away.
Their deaths left a massive void in the hearts and minds of their fans and friends, uniting our nation in grief.
We look back at just some of the celebs 2015 took from us:
Flabba
Skwatta Kamp fans were left in shock in March of this year, when their beloved Flabba Habedi was stabbed and killed by his girlfriend in his Alexandra home. Thousands of tributes poured in for Flabba, who many remarked was just starting to make his musical comeback. (More here)
Simba Mhere
On the 31st of January Top Billing presenter Simba Mhere was in a car accident that would claim his life, and the life of his best friend Kady-Shay O’Bryan. The nation had been robbed of one of their brightest young talents and struggled to come to terms with the loss, Perhaps none more so than Simba’s bestie Jonathan Boynton-Lee (more here).
David Masondo
The month of July brought its own heartbreak, when legendary Soul Brothers musician, David Masondo died after being hospitalized a few weeks earlier for exhaustion. He was 67 at the time. His death was mourned by thousands, including president Jacob Zuma who issued a statement of tribute to David (more here).
R. Mashesha
A month later the music fraternity was once again in mourning, this time after the death of Big Nuz member R. Mashesha. The star had previously missed several gigs due to health issues (more here).
Prosper
Perhaps no death caused as much controversy as the death of Prosper. Not only did the music promoter’s death leave the nation in shock, but it was soon complicated by reports of the women in his life, Tina Jaxa and Tina Mkwaiwa, fighting over his estate (more here).
Tiki "Sompisi" Nxumalo
Generations actor Tiki “Sompisi” Nxumalo was taken from us in June. The popular actor was apparently found lying outside of his house in Durban, with family suspecting he may have been trying to get help at the time he passed. His death was mourned by many who filled his funeral and memorial services to pay tribute (more here).
Senyaka
The death of legendary actor and musician Senyaka Kekana left many in tears. According to reports, Senyaka was rushed to hospital complaining of sinuses. It was in hospital that he later fell into a coma and died a few days later. His death was mourned by thousands, including Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula (more here).
Roland Gqwebu
After a long battle with health issues, legendary actor Roland Qwebu passed on in August. His death was met with shock and mourning by thousands of South Africans who had grown up watching the talented showman. President Jacob Zuma was among those who paid tribute to the former Emzini Wezinsizwa actor (more here).
