One of the original members of Mbaqanga group, the Mahotella Queens, Nobesuthu Mbadu has passed on.
Mbadu died at the Thelle Mogoerane hospital in Vosloorus, Ekhuruleni due to kidney failure.
She joined the Mbaqanga group in 1964, at the age of 19, and retired in 2017 due to ill health.
Family Spokesperson Vanessa Tloubatla, says in a statement, her family and colleagues are devastated and have asked for space to mourn.
The Mbaqanga group was formed by Rupert Bopape in 1964, and Nobesuthu Mbadu with Hilda Tloubatla and Mildred Mangxola who retired and was replaced by Amanda Nkosi, were known as the Mahotella Queens. Together with lead male vocalist Simon Nkabinde, better known as “Mahlathini” they went on to create many hits throughout the years. These included, “Mbude”, “Uyavutha Umlilo”, “Melodi ya Lla” amongst many more.
Despite age, the group continued performing on stage.
Mbadu retired in 2017 due to ill health, and has taken the final bow on the life stage.
One of the founding members of The Mahotella Queens, Nobesuthu Mbadu has passed away:
Mbadu was 19 when she joined the mbaqanga group formed by Rupert Bopape in 1964 with Hilda Tloubatla and Amanda Nkosi.
Mahotella Queens rose to fame quickly as Gallo Record Company’s girl group with the late Simon “Mahlathini” Nkabinde as the lead male vocalist for many of their hits.
They released hits such as Gazette (Kazet), Melodi Ya Lla, Uyavutha Umlilo and more.
Mbadu retired from performing in 2017 when her health started to deteriorate, after recording their smash hit Malome with Cassper Nyovest.
Nobesuthu Gertrude Mbadu Shawe (26 April 1945 – 31 August 2021) was a South African mbaqanga singer, and a singer in the acclaimed group the Mahotella Queens.
| Nobesuthu Gertrude Mbadu Shawe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 April 1945 Durban, South Africa |
| Died | 31 August 2021 (aged 76) Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, South Africa |
| Genres | Mbaqanga |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Associated acts | Mahlathini |
Early life
Mbadu was born in Durban, South Africa and was raised by her father Ferguson Mbadu and her grandmother, Selinah Mbadu. She was a singer in both her school and church choirs, and was a member of the acclaimed Amangeyami group.
International fame
In 1983, the five original Queens (Tloubatla, Mbadu, Mangxola, Mazamisa and Mngomezulu) were reunited with Mahlathini and the Makgona Tsohle Band. Their comeback release, Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo, was a hit in South Africa. Due to the success of Paul Simon’s Graceland 1986 album and tour (in which he collaborated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Stimela and others), South African music was in demand. Three of the original Queens, Tloubatla, Mbadu and Mangxola, were reunited once more with their bandmates. Their international popularity was profound.
Death
Mbadu died in hospital in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni due to kidney failure on 31 August 2021, aged 76.