By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The last standing member of the Kwaito group, Chiskop Siphiwe Sibisi, affectionately known as General GTZ, has died at the age of 49.
Fullview learnt that he succumbed to complications following major surgery. He has hospitalised after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
“The family of Siphiwe “General GTZ” Sibisi announces with deep sadness our great loss suffered through the passing of our dear one, after hospitalisation where he underwent major surgery,” the family said in a statement.
“We wish to thank all those who loved and supported him during all his years as a prominent and pioneering music entertainer of our beloved South African people. May his beautiful, kind spirit lives on through the legacy of his kwaito music” read the statement.
Chiskop was formed in the 80s by the late Mduduzi “Mandoza” Tshabalala, Sizwe “Lollopop” Motaung and Sibusiso “SB-Bless” Thenjekwayo.
The group rose to fame in the nineties with hit songs like “Klaimer”, “Abasazi” and “Abantwana”.
Ever since the heydays of kwaito, the General has worked with the country’s top producers, such as Mandla Spikiri and Gabriel Gabi Le Roux among others.