Mjokes mourned in Zimbabwe with artistes praising his music

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
South Africa kwaito group Trompies member, Mjokes has been mourned in Zimbabwe, with artistes saying his music was influential in shaping the culture of many youth during their hey days.

Born Emmanuel Matsane, Mjokes died Sunday in a car accident after a performance by the kwaito legends in Meadowlands, South Africa.

During the times that Trompies ruled the roost in South Africa, groups such as Go Boyz, Achuzi, Street Niggaz and Stina rose to fame in Bulawayo.

Diliza who worked with Mjokes, who was the Kalawa Jazmee records director, said the last time he spoke with the late, was last Wednesday.

“Mjokes Whatsapped me about my new track Ngekabani LeParty, saying it was good. We lost a legend. He was one cool director full of advice and I learnt a lot from Mjokes.

A good man and great man has been taken away from us. He was a humble man and down to earth.

I’m so sad,” said Diliza.

Achuzi frontman, Unity Moyo said the industry has lost a diehard kwaito star.

“It’s very sad and I was shocked when I heard the news and thinking how much he was a pillar at Trompies and having been the shareholder of one of the biggest stables in South Africa. He is a true legend and die-hard kwaito star,” said Unity.

Mjokes, was the lead singer of the five member Trompies famed for hits such as Sweet Lavo, Magasman, Fohloza, Zodwa, Bengimngaka, Current and Malabulabu.

Mjokes also had a successful solo career, using the name Copperhead. One of his singles, Umtwanakhe, brought him success.

Apart from being one of the founders and directors of record label Kalawa Jazmee, Mjokes was also a successful businessman after venturing into the construction industry.

The surviving members of Trompies are Eugene “Donald Duck” Mthethwa, Mandla ‘Spikiri’ Mofokeng, Zayne ‘Mahoota’ Sibiya and Jairas ‘Jakarumba’ Nkwe.