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South Africa & World

Music Legend Pat Shange Has Died

KEMPTON PARK, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 20: Pat Shange and wife Nozuko Xhaka during the 23rd annual South African Music Awards (SAMA23) Nominees Announcement at the Destiny Exclusive Hotels on April 20, 2017 in Kempton Park, South Africa. The SAMAs is an annual premier music showcase hosted by RiSA, to honour the country’s finest music talent over two days in key categories, as they battle for the country’s industry’s highest honour. (Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)
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KEMPTON PARK, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 20: Pat Shange and wife Nozuko Xhaka during the 23rd annual South African Music Awards (SAMA23) Nominees Announcement at the Destiny Exclusive Hotels on April 20, 2017 in Kempton Park, South Africa. The SAMAs is an annual premier music showcase hosted by RiSA, to honour the country’s finest music talent over two days in key categories, as they battle for the country’s industry’s highest honour. (Photo by Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu)

Township bubblegum music legend Pat Shange has died.

 

Shange is believed to have died on Tuesday after a short illness but details are unknown at this stage.

 

His  childhood friend, Hendry Galela, confirmed the news live on Jozi FM on Thursday.

 

The musician rose to prominence in the 80s and served Mzansi with timeless hits such as Sweet Mama, Casanova and Shayile Time.

 

Township bubblegum is a term for a synth-heavy dance-pop style popular in South African townships in the 1980s and early 1990s. His music became the soundtrack of many people’s lives with other music from the likes of Brenda Fassie and Chicco Twala.

 

On Facebook, tributes have continued to pour in for the late “Bubblegum” musician.

“Saddened by the passing of my Mentor, Brother, Friend… The Legend has fallen, Pat Shange … 25 yrs ago I started learning production through him, 1999 I produced for his label, became a roadie, sound engineer, We toured SA together, we spent days on the road, I received life lessons, we shared almost everything about life till the end, can’t deal… Rest Dumakude,” said Jabulani Ndebele, who was Pat’s mentee.

 

“Rest in peace my brother, will never forget the days we spend together in studio in the 90s, and I learnt a lot from you. Condolences to the family!” said  Godfrey Pilane in the comments.

“Sad news indeed … He gave me my first TV break … I was 6 years old … 33 years later I’m still in TV production,” added Mbali Lesabe.

Robert Tapfumaneyi