South African based, Zimbabwean rapper Hechichamunorwa Mount Zion Kwenda – better known as Mizchif – died early Thursday morning after his long battle with ill health.
Mizchif was in the process of recording his come-back album titled “Still A Legend” after going off the grid for more than seven years – and was also due to judge at a South African talent search show called ‘End of the Weak’ this weekend.
A close source revealed that the rapper returned to South Africa (from his sabbatical leave in Zimbabwe) last year with concerns of weight loss and skin problems.
Other tributes that poured in for the artist came from Kwaito star Mduduzi Tshabalala, known by his stage name ‘Mandoza’. He only found out about his passing when eNCA.com contacted him for comment.
Speechless and at a loss for words, Mandoza said: “It’s heart sore to hear news of Mizchif’s passing”. He said he wished the news he heard “wasn’t true.”
“Mizchif will be missed by many and may his soul rest in peace,” said Mandoza who also expressed his condolences to family, friends and fans.
Metro FM DJ Unathi Nkanyi said she met him in 2001 and last saw him 10 years ago.
“I remember most about him his humble nature and giving attitude, unlike the stereotypical idea one has about emcees. A creative heart is always relevant for as long as they want to be. “
Nkanyi said Mizchif’s passing was “a reminder of how fragile life is and what a great man” he was.
About Mizchif:
He was allegedly the first in South Africa to perform hiphop with a live band.
He was popularly known for his hit single ‘International” and a collaboration in 2001 with Mavusana for the album Summertime on Ghetto Ruff records.
Mizchif was born and raised in Highfields, Harare, Zimbabwe. He moved to Syracuse, New York at the age of 12 where he hooked up with a crew, Soul Pack, and began rapping.
He moved to South Africa at 18, where he released his debut album Life from All Angles in 1999 on Eargasm Records.
He further went on to release “Place for a Wife” and “Fashionable” which at the time got constant airplay on several TV music channels across Africa.
Mizchif presented hip hop news on Johannesburg radio station Yfm.
He was also a video jockey on Nasty, a hip hop show on MNET music channel, Channel O. Sowetan/ eNCA
