adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa) members are devastated following the death of founding member Emmanuel ‘Manue’ Dlamini. Dlamini, 35, collapsed and died in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday. A post mortem is being conducted to determine the cause of death, with results excepted today. Together with members Sandra Ndebele, Noma Mkhwananzi, Futurelove Sibanda and Sibonisiwe Sithole, the group worked hard to build the brand that Iyasa is today. Dlamini, an actor and dancer who was appointed as manager of Iyasa in 2007 was heavily involved in Iyasa productions such as Americano Africano and China K that were a hit in Austria. His stage antics won the group numerous National Arts Merit Awards during his time. He left Iyasa in 2008 and relocated to South Africa in search of greener pastures.
Former Iyasa member, Ndebele, who worked closely with Dlamini before she started a career as a solo artiste described his death as a major blow to the arts industry.
“Manue was more of a brother as he’d give us advice just like a brother would do. When things were tough, he’d encourage us to persevere so that we become successful,” said Ndebele.
“I’ll miss him as he was a jovial character.”
Sibanda described his colleague as a strong character.
“I can’t recall a bad day with him as I only hold great fun, funny and naughty memories of him. Besides his amazing skills in dance, music and soccer, he was a very smart young man who always spoke his mind and stood for what was right for him and most of us who couldn’t speak for ourselves.”
Online Reporter