Pat Shange, 65, Passes Away

The death of bubblegum music legend, Pat Shange, has left the South African entertainment industry in mourning.

Speaking to a local media outlet on Thursday, 15 July, Patricia Shange confirmed that her 65-year-old husband died two days prior at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg.

Last Sunday, 11 July, Shange – who had contracted the coronavirus – was transferred from Chiawelo Clinic in Soweto to the hospital. Alas, he reportedly succumbed to virus-related complications.

Affectionately known as “Bra Pat”, Shange lit up the dance floor throughout the 1970s-90s with bubblegum/mbaqanga hits such as “I’m not a Casanova”, “Hlengiwe” and “Sweet Mama”.

Mrs Shange paid tribute to her husband of 33 years, saying: “He was a bubbly person and loved jokes … He enjoyed arguing. I even said to him that he was supposed to be a lawyer.”

Other tributes flooded social media, with music producer Jabulani Ndebele tweeting: “Saddened by the passing of my Mentor, Brother, Friend… we shared almost everything about life till the end, can’t deal… Rest Dumakude [sic].”

A Twitter user lamented: “We grew up to [sic] your music and our memories are so attached to your existence … May your legacy live on.”

Image Credit: Source