Suthukazi Arosi, 63, Passes Away

The South African music industry has been dealt another blow following the passing of celebrated Afro-pop singer, Suthukazi “Suthu” Arosi, at the age of 63.

On Thursday, 21 February, family spokesperson Bongani Mahlangu confirmed that Arosi died that morning at her home in Centurion, just outside Pretoria, Gauteng.

“She was battling cancer, she was already on stage 4,” Mahlangu explained. “We are still bereaved and absorbing the shock. Therefore, we cannot communicate much at this stage, but we will give updates at a later stage.”

Back in October 2024, Mahlangu revealed that the “Umzi Watsha” songstress had been “in and out of hospital undergoing chemotherapy treatment” for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Born on 10 March 1961 in Cala, Eastern Cape, Arosi studied ballet and modern jazz before embarking on an award-winning career in music that lasted over 40 years.

She worked alongside the likes of Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa and Miriam Makeba, and toured around the world to showcase her soulful, passionate vocals. She also starred in the Broadway adaptation of “The Lion King”, where she portrayed Rafiki and other roles in the ensemble.

Details regarding Arosi’s memorial service and funeral are expected to be shared in due time.

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