Kwaito legend Mojalefa ‘Mjokes’ Matsane laid to rest in Soweto
passed away after he was involved in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday, May 23
‘MASECHABA SEFULARO and KEDIBONE MODISE
JOHANNESBURG – The funeral service of Trompies member Mojalefa Emmanuel ‘Mjokes’ Matsane is underway in Soweto on Saturday. Matsane passed away after he was involved in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday, May 23.
The statement from Kalawa Jazmee Recording, where he was co-director, said Matsane had been traveling from a performance with the group. ‘Mjokes’ or ‘Copperhead’ as he was known in the Kwaito world – had been in the music industry for over two decades and performed various genres of music including Afro Pop and House.
Fellow Trompies member DJ Mahoota posted an image from the service on his Instagram under the hashtags #RIPMjokes, #FarewellMyBrother. A memorial service for Matsane was held on Thursday, May 27 at the Bassline. Radio DJ, Thato ‘Fresh’ Sikwane was one of the speakers featured in a video of tributes from fellow artists and industry players.
“The world is not a better place without you, the industry is not better off without you. May you rest in peace, Mfana. I think you made your mark, and it’s sad that you had to leave us so abruptly but your legacy is what will keep you alive for another 100 to 500 years. Rest in peace, Mjokes. ”
In his tribute, Trompies member, Eugene ‘Donald Duck’ Mthethwa said: “It is indeed a very sad reality that we are faced with, a very painful experience, but I would say that at least you spent your last moments with us. You were a gift to Trompies and you will remain one…It is a ‘goodnight’ from us, but I am sure and certain that we shall meet. We shall remember you in a very good way.”
The funeral service of the kwaito legend was held with the ceremony commencing at his home in Soweto, Dhlamini at 0900am. He will then be laid to rest at West Park Cemetery, Emmarentia. Record label giant Kalawa Jazmee announced the tragic passing of Matsane on Sunday. The music pioneer was killed in a car accident following a performance with Trompies in Meadowlands, Soweto.
“It is with great sadness to announce the death of our director and fifth member of @RealTrompiesSA, @mjokeskalawa (Emmanuel Mojalefa Matsane). He died in a car accident in the early hours of this morning, May 23, 2021, after a performance, “read the statement. Matsane was the director and co-founder at Kalawa Jazmee records and the lead vocalist of the renowned kwaito group Trompies.
Mjokes or Copperhead, as he was fondly known burst into the music scene in the late 1990s. After completing matric, he studied classical music and jazz at at Madimba Institution of African Music. Matsane had the privilege of being taught and learning from industry leaders like Sibongile Khumalo, who was his vocal teacher and Sandile Khemese, a member of the Soweto String Quartet.
His musical career started off with him working as a sound engineer in studios in downtown Joburg, before pursuing his solo career as “Copperhead”. He released a few solo albums namely “Doggy Style”, “Ngal-le way”, “Talk of the Town” and “Cultural House”, along with a few hit singles such as “Take You Out” and “Ama-Ben 40”.
He later joined Trompies as its fifth member and vocalist along with group members Jairus “Jakarumba” Nkwe, Zynne “Mahoota” Sibika, Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng and Eugene “Donald Duck” Mthethwa.
As a member of Trompies, Matsane quickly became a household name as the quintet rose to fame with hit tracks such as ‘Sweety Lavo.’ With the immense success that Trompies experienced the next step was to find a way to help other aspiring artists tap into their talents.
This led to the establishment of a production company by Trompies called Jazmee. Jazmee then collaborated with Kalawa, which was founded by Christos Katsaitis, Don Laka and Oscar Bonginkosi Mdlongwa (DJ Oskido) to become heavyweight record label Kalawa Jazmee.
Matsane recently released his new single “Phanse Nge Ndlondlo”, a fusion of kwaito and afro pop. Ndlondlo in township colloquial, means aggression and on “Phanse Nge Ndlondlo”. Matsane discourages violence against women and children. The muso was quoted saying the message behind the song was to “encourage fellow men to be kinder to women”.
