Kwaito legend Ma-Willies dies

Kwaito legend Ma-Willies dies

LAST BREATH: WILLIAM BONGANI MAKHUBELA

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By Showbiz Reporter

KWAITO legend Ma-Willies has died.

The Intwenjani star, real name William Bongani Makhubela, died at his Soweto home on Tuesday, South African media reports said.

He was 38.

Ma-Willies’ manager, Evo Dos Ramos, told the Sowetan: “We don’t know what the cause (of death) is but we suspected TB because he had the symptoms.”

Ramos said the husky-voiced singer had been unwell in recent weeks, and he was due to check into a hospital on Wednesday.

Ramos’ Base 2 Base Records had just finished recording Ma-Willies’ new album – Shark is Moving – when he fell ill.

Ma-Willies had eight completed albums including Intwenjani, Liya Khuzikhehla, Hoezet, Ke Tswere Lotto and Kwaito Graduation since starting off under the guidance of producer, M’du Masilela in 1997.

Intwenjani, still a club hit today, was their first project and was followed by other hits like Gagu and Thula Mabota.

Ma-Willies’ trademark deep voice can be heard on Mahoota’s new hit, Qolo, currently one of the biggest tracks in South Africa. He also featured in recent works by kwaito kingpin Mandla Spikiri, Jacarumba and Brown Dash.

Ma-Willies leaves behind a wife and children.

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