Yesterday, the very same day the world lost of its true star Brenda Fassie eight years ago, another Kwaito Legend died.
South Africans lost its prominent kwaito veteran Brown Dash (Real name Simphiwe Mpamile) and social networks went on a rampant buzz as celebs and unknowns poured condolences.
Brown Dash hailing from Zola in Soweto was diagnosed with pneumonia in 2010 and his health plummeted from there on, receiving rave reviews from the media. It’s reported that Dash complained about not feeling well and was taken to hospital where he died. His wife Lunga also died last year May.
Brown Dash shot to fame with a kwaito outfit Amaskumfete in the song ‘Tsipa’ in which he did lead vocals. He later went solo and catered extensive vibey hits like the beyond-catchy ‘Phansi kwemthunzi welanga’, the punchy anthem ‘Puff and Pass’ and ‘Mthandazo wabolova’ which was in his 2nd album and picked a SAMA nomination, all respectively released during the height of his fame in the mid-2000’s.
Originally signed under TS Records Brown Dash became a household name, defined Kwaito in his own way, and made being ghetto look ‘cool’ and ok. He soon left TS records (with veteran Afro-Pop sensation Ntando) and joined DJ Cleo’s stable due to some financial dissatisfaction from the TS Records management. TS Records even took his Mini Cooper away – mxm. His comeback album ‘Back2kasi’ didn’t do well and his fame lamps were running out of oil then.
His recent performance was at Mdu Masilela’s 40th birthday and the SAMA’s (where people went abrasive on his physical appearance). It’s said that Dash continued to use prohibited substances amidst his sickness. Whether it was z3 or pneumonia or influenza which terminated this star’s life, Dash gave us great music and leaves a great legacy of sound.
RIP Dash!
@narekenana