Entertainment Reporter.
@LM.
The South African music industry is mourning the death of Mahotella Queens’ founding member Nobesuthu Mbadu.
Mbadu passed on Monday at Thelle Mogoerane due to kidney failure. She was 76.
She lives behind a full legacy of songs like Kazet Gazette, Mbube, Africa, and Melodi ya lla that have solidified their roles in the Mbaqanga genre. She was part of a generation that put South African music on world stages with unique melodies and signature dance moves.
Nobesuthu’s health started deteriorating in 2017 and she retired from performing. She spent most of last year with her niece in Durban and wanted to go back to her home in Vosloorus on 7 August.
The family spokesperson Vanessa Tloubatla, daughter of the current active member of Mahotella Queens Hilda Tloubatla, said the family is devastated by the news.
She said Nobesuthu was diagnosed with kidney failure in April. When she got back from Durban, she stayed with her two other nieces at her home in the East of Johannesburg where she got ill and was sent to the hospital.
“When she got to Thelle Mogoerane hospital in Vosloorus they recommended that she gets moved to Baragwanath Hospital for surgery but she didn’t make it to go through surgery.”
Vanessa said her mom cried when they were driving back home from Nobesuthu’s house. She says she was playing Mahotella Queen’s music and her mom begged her to turn off the music.
“The news is still fresh and everyone is processing what is happening. I saw both my mom and Mildred speak about Nobesuthu, whom they both call Getty because her middle name was Gertrude. They asked themselves why did she have to go, and they are shocked because she was still hands-on behind the scenes,”she says.
Mahotella Queen was recently featured on DJ Tira’s 2020 single titled Kazet, before that they were featured on the rapper, Cassper Nyovest’s song called Malome in 2017.
Nobesuthu was born in Durban and was raised by her father Ferguson Mbadu and her grandmother, Selinah Mbadu.
Her singing career started at school and eventually she joined the Amangeyami group. Her talent was spotted by talent scout Max Gcaba from Gallo Record Company on his quest to search for black music. He recruited her to EMI where she made several recordings under the name ‘Gcaba Sisters’.
The Recording Industry of South Africa wrote: “In memory of Nobesuthu Gertrude Mbadu Shawe. A South African mbaqanga singer, and a singer in the acclaimed group the Mahotella Queens. Sincere condolences to family, friends and fans.”
Umsakazo Records wrote: “We at Umsakazo are devastated to learn of the passing of our friend and mother Nobesuthu Mbadu of the legendary Mahotella Queens. Mam’ Nobe was one of the most dynamic mbaqanga performers in the industry. We love you always.”
Mahotella Queens was founded by Rupert Bopape in 1964. The group comprised Hilda Tloubatla, Amanda Nkosi and Mbadu who joined at the age of 19.Mahotella Queens, together with the late lead male vocalist Simon Nkabinde, recorded many songs including ‘Mbude’, ‘Uyavutha Umlilo’ and ‘Melodi Yalla’, among others.