By Palesa Matlala
• Maskandi artist Scebi Dlamini died after a crash near Melomed Hospital in Richards Bay, while two other people were taken to hospital.
• Police are investigating the cause of the crash as tributes pour in for the Msinga born musician known as Inkosi Yamagcokama.
The maskandi music world is mourning the sudden death of popular artist Scebi Dlamini after a deadly car crash in KwaZulu-Natal.
Dlamini, popularly known as Inkosi Yamagcokama, died following a crash in Richards Bay on Sunday, 9 August.
The collision happened at an intersection opposite Melomed Hospital.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma confirmed Dlamini’s death.
Emergency workers rushed to the scene, but Dlamini suffered severe injuries and died there.
Two other people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Police are now investigating what caused the crash.
“At this stage, we wish to confirm that the accident is now handled by the South African Police Service accident unit,” Duma said.
Dlamini’s death has sent shockwaves through the maskandi community, with messages of sympathy pouring in from musicians, supporters and fans.
The popular musician came from Msinga in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and had built a strong following through his music.
Duma described Dlamini as an important figure in South African music and sent condolences to his family and supporters.
“Inkosi Yamagcokama has been an invaluable asset to the nation. He was a remarkable artist who carved for himself a niche in the hearts and minds of millions of maskandi music lovers,” Duma said.
He said Dlamini would also be remembered for his humility and for proudly representing his home area of Msinga.
“He was admired for his humility and for putting Msinga on the map,” Duma said.
“As we mourn with a deep sense of sadness his passing, we are confident that his legacy will inspire many aspiring maskandi artists to improve this genre, which is growing in leaps and bounds.”
Dlamini’s death comes as maskandi continues to attract a growing audience in South Africa, with artists from KwaZulu-Natal helping push the traditional music style to new generations of listeners.
For his supporters, however, Sunday’s crash has brought that celebration to a painful halt.
Fans and members of the music industry have shared messages mourning a musician whose career and music had made him a familiar name among maskandi lovers.
Authorities have not yet announced what caused the crash.
The South African Police Service accident unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
For now, Dlamini’s family, fans and fellow musicians are left mourning a popular artist whose life ended suddenly on Richards Bay road.
Pictured above: Popular maskandi artist Scebi Dlamini, known as Inkosi Yamagcokama, died following a car crash in Richards Bay on Sunday.
Image source: File.
