Big Nuz member R Mashesha dies

Big Nuz member “R Mashesha”, real name Sibusiso Khomo, passed away on Friday after a long illness.

This was confirmed by Afrotainment boss DJ Tira.

“It is with deep sadness that I inform you of R. Mashesha’s death. Sibusiso Khomo passed away today (Friday 07 August). RIP sosha,” she posted on Twitter.

Twitter has since been filled with tributes and condolences for the musician.

This comes after months of death hoaxes about Khomo on Twitter and Facebook. In February, DJ Tira dismissed rumours that the loved star had passed on.

Now confirming on SABC music show Live Amp, DJ Tira said Khomo had gone for an operation, and “there were complications with the operation and unfortunately R Mashesha is no more.”

The house DJ, who said Big Nuz cancelled events planned for the weekend, added that details about funeral arrangements will probably be made known on Monday after the deceased’s family has been consulted.

Bonang Matheba also sent her condolences to Khomo’s recording company Afrotainment, which DJ Tira is a part of.

The Big Nuz arguably revived Kwaito and made it a cool thing after many music lovers had diverted their attention to House music, Hip Hop and other genres. The Durban based group is made up of Mandla Maphumulo aka Mampintsha, Mzi Tshomela aka Danger and the late Sbu Khomo aka R Mashesha.

The kwaito group recorded their first album, Zozo, in 2006 under Gallo Records, but the album sales did not do well. According to the group’s website, in 2007, “DJ Tira heard the talented sounds of BIG NUZ and requested that they return to Durban in order for them to join his record label Afrotainment, under which they remain signed.”

The “Uyoysholo Wena” hit track (below) featured on the Durban’s Finest Vol 3 album put the group on the map and reached the number one spot on many radio station charts.

The 2010 music award season saw the group scoop three awards at the MTN South African Music Awards. This included Kwaito Album of the Year for “Undisputed”; Album of the Year and Record of the Year by public vote for “Umlilo” (below). Times Live/The Citizen