Doreen Mokgolo
The entertainment industry has suffered a blow with the death of Nobesuthu Mbadu, legendary musician and member of the Mahotella Queens.
She died at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital due to kidney failure aged 76 on Tuesday.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her family.
She stopped working in 2017 due to her deteriorating health, ending decades as a member of the group which she joined in 1964, after she was discovered by talent scout Max Gcaba. She was 19 at the time.
Family spokesperson Vanessa Tloubatla said the family is devastated by her passing.
“We ask that you allow them the space and time to mourn the musician peacefully and respectfully,” she said.
Original member of the mbaqanga group Hilda Tloubatla said she is heartbroken by the news of another member’s passing.
“I’m the only surviving founding member of The Mahotella Queens. They have all passed on, leaving me behind,” she said.
Tloubatla described Mbadu as a good actor on stage and music composer.
“We were like family and had each other’s back, especially when we were travelling and performing abroad,” she said.
“We motivated and counselled each other in all the challenges we faced as young adults with big dreams and later in our older years.”
