Mandoza's music transcended 'racial gaps' - Parliamentary committee

Cape Town - Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture was saddened by the death of kwaito legend Mduduzi "Mandoza" Tshabalala, its chairperson said on Monday.

"We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family. His passing is not only a loss to them, but to every South African," committee chair Xoliswa Tom said.

"His music transcended generational and racial gaps and proved to be among catalysts in efforts to build an inclusive country."

Mandoza died on Sunday after a long battle with cancer that had reportedly spread to his brain. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour last May.

"We hope that his family will find solace in the fact that he made an indelible contribution to the music industry and he will forever remain a music icon," Tom said.

He was amongst a group of artists that pioneered the kwaito genre and produced music that was distinctly South African, she said.

The committee was grateful for the time he was here and the immense contributions he had made to the arts, Tom said.