Mp3bullet.ng presents South African Musicians Who Were Shot Dead

South African music scene has over the years lost some of its talented musicians to gun violence and a recent addition to the number sent the nation into a state of mourning.

AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, has emerged as the most recent statistic to bring attention to the sinister stain that has marred the Rainbow Nation: gun violence.

This tragic death led Mp3bullet.ng to compile a list of some South African musicians that were shot to death.

RELATED:

• Remembering AKA through some of his biggest songs.
• 10 South African superstars who passed away in 2022

AKA

On Friday, February 10, 2023, South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, better known as ‘AKA,’ was killed in a drive-by shooting.

The 35-year-old rapper was fatally murdered, according to a number of sources, outside a well-liked dining establishment on Florida Road in Durban, South Africa.

Late AKA was scheduled to play at the YUGO nightclub in Durban as part of his birthday celebrations.

Lucky Dube

Lucky Dube stayed true to reggae music and helped to place South Africa on the map during a time when styles like Kwaito, House, and Afropop were popular.

The Motown Records performer delivered hits like Prisoner, Remember Me, and Respect.

On October 18, 2007, Dube, 43, was killed by gunfire after being ambushed by a bunch of carjackers while driving at night. He had just dropped off his two daughters at their uncle’s house. All five culprits of his death were sentenced to life in prison.

DJ Sumbody

Oupa John Sefoka, best known by his stage name DJ Sumbody, was a DJ, recording artist, event promoter, restaurant owner, and label executive. He co-wrote and produced singles such as Monate Mpolaye with Cassper Nyovest.

On his way to a show in Woodmead in the early hours of November 20, 2022, DJ Sumbody was hit by a barrage of bullets while driving. He was scheduled to perform later that day at the All White Veuve Clicquot Picnic. He was 46.

DJ Citi Lyts

DJ Citi Lyts, a hip-hop artist, was the younger brother of the late SA hip-hop legend ProKid. His real name is Sandile Nkululeko Mkhize.

The 32-year-old artist and his friends were outside in Soweto at around 12.30 am on February 14, 2022, when a car stopped and four guys carrying three weapons approached them.

Then, after ten rounds were fired towards DJ Citi Lyts’ upper body, he passed away.

RELATED:

• 10 South African musicians dominating the chart at the moment
• 5 Things You Might Know About Late Rapper, AKA

Taliep Petersen

South African vocalist, composer, and director Taliep Petersen was responsible for a number of well-known musicals.

He won an Olivier Award for his work most notably with David Kramer.

Petersen, a devout Muslim, has six children through his two marriages.

On December 16, 2006, he was fatally murdered inside his house.

Tebogo Madingoane

Tebogo Madingoane was a recording artist from South Africa. With Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe, he formed the South African music group Mafikizolo, which helped him gain recognition.

On February 14, 2004, Tebogo Madingoane was involved in an altercation with another driver when he was shot and killed.

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The Best of Lucky Dube Reggae Mix by DJ Shinski houses dope songs from the late legend South African reggae musician and Rastafarian – Lucky Dube.

• RELATED: DJ Shinski – Throwback Hip Hop Mix ft. 50 Cent, Jay Z, Others
• RELATED: DJ Plentysongz – Mp3bullet Monthly Mixtape (Jan. 2021 Amapiano)

Tracklist

1. Never Leave You
2. Crazy World
3. Together As One
4. War And Crime
5. Guns & Roses
6. Respect
7. False Prophet
8. Jah Live
9. Victims
10. The Way It Is
11. Prisoner
12. Reggae Strong
13. House Of Exile
14. Slave
15. Back To My Roots
16. Remember Me
17. How Will I Know
18. I’ve Got You Babe
19. Romeo
20. Choose Your Friends
21. The Other Side
22. It´S Not Easy
23. Touch Your Dreams
24. Think About The Children
25. Different Colours/One People

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It has been made possible because of many talented artists in different African music industries, lets find out who are the kings of Africa music.

Starting from the 90s, Africans have been recognized in the world music sphere, and since then, they have been waxing stronger.

When we talk about some well-known African artists who brought African music to the limelight, artists like Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, and other African giants can’t be left out.

Ever since then, Africans have never left the music phase. Let’s check out the top ten best African musicians in 2021 who have represented African music industries worldwide.

The list consists of modern African musicians who have released so many hit songs in past years

Top 10 Africa musicians that are regarded as the kings of African music

Wizkid

Wizkid is a famous Nigerian singer and songwriter. Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, born on July 16, 1990, is popularly known by his stage name Wizkid. He has gained so much firm in the music industry in Africa and the world, making him one of the top 10 richest musicians in Nigeria.

Wizkid started his music career at age 11. He released his first collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed.

Wizkid later met O.J.B. Jezreel, who became his mentor during his struggling days. He then started visiting Jezreel’s studio, watching and learning from the recordings by artists like 2Face Idibia and Sound Sultan.

Wizkid then joined Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) in 2009, and from there, his career in the music Industry kick-started. Wizkid is one of the Nigerians top artists, and fortunately, he is considered one of the African best musicians.

Davido

David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is a Nigerian top musician. Davido is the third-best musician and artist of all time in Nigeria.

Davido was born in Atlanta, United States of America, to the wealthy Nigerian family of Dr Deji Adeleke, a co-founder of the Adeleke University in Osun state and the Pacific CEO Holdings Limited.

Before ‘Dami Duro’, which announced Davido to the world, Davido released his first single, ‘Back When’, featuring Naeto C, although the song didn’t trend much.

On Oct. 30, 2011, Davido released ‘Dami Duro’. He co-produced the single with Shizzi, which Clarence shot in Lagos.

The song Dami Duro came with a fantastic video in Jan. 2012, and it became the talk of the town with frequent airplay by the media.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy is a Nigerian musician and has made quality jams that have earned him recognition as the best African musician in 2021.

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu is known by his stage name Burna Boy. On July 2nd 1991, he was born as Mr and Mrs Ogulu in Ahaoda, Rivers State, Nigeria.

His grandfather Benson Idonije once managed Fela Kuti. Burna Boy started making music at the age of 10 after his classmate gave him the FuityLoops software for music production.

In secondary school, Burna Bo formed a music band that performed at concerts before going to London to further his education. In London, Burna Boy dropped out of school due to his passion for music.

Diamond Platnumz

Diamond Platnumz is the third-best musician in Africa. Diamond Platnumz is a Tanzanian Afropop and Bongo Flava ( hip hop and R&B) recording artist.

Diamond was born on October 2 1989, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack before taking his stage name Diamond Platnumz when he broke into the Tanzanian music industry in 2010 with his music album Kamwambie.

The Kamwambie album was made of 12 different songs, including his hit single Kamwambie, which reigned in Tanzania and Africa. In 2012 Diamond released another album Lala Salama which contained ten songs.

In the Lala Salama album, his top-selling album, he only featured Mrisho Mpoto in one song.

Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale is the second richest musician in Ghana in 2021. Shatta Wale is a famous Ghanaian musician known for his reggae and dance hall music style.

Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr, known by his stage name Shatta Wale was born on 17 October 1984 in Accra, Ghana.

Shatta Wale is also known as an actor, featured in some movies, including Never Say Never, The trial of Shatta Wale, and Shattered Lives.

Shatta Wale archived his first music popularity in 2004 with the stage name Bandana. His single Moko Hoo and other two single No Problem and Obaa Yaa, helped him gain his first popularity before he disappeared from the music industry without a song for over then years.

Olamide

Olamide Adedeji chose to retain his first name Olamide on stage. However, he is also called Baddo due to his street music’s nature. Olamide was born on March 15th, 1989, in Bariga, Lagos State.

Olamide’s music career started flourishing in 2012 following the release of his song, Eni Duro. His 2011 album, Rapsodi, also did very well.

Rapsodi was followed by YBNL, his second album featuring some single hits that gained him even more fame within a short duration.

Today, this music icon has up to seven studio albums to his name.

He has bagged many awards in the Nigerian music industry, such as the Best Indigenous Artist, Album of the year. He has also received many nominations.

Sarkodie

Sarkodie is the 7th best musician in Africa in 2021, owning to his hit songs over the years. Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known by his stage name Sarkodie, was born on July 10, 1988, in Tema, Ghana, in Africa’s western part.

He is a professional rapper in the music category and known as one of Africa’s best music rappers; his entertaining flow is delightful to listen to.

Sarkodie has produced many hit songs since he broke into the music industry; he has also been featured in many songs in Africa, including Nigeria, the fastest-growing music industry in Africa.

His songs with different musicians have earned him a spot as the 7th best musician in Africa in 2021.

Cassper Nyovest

Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is a South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and record producer.

Born and raised in Mahikeng, North West, he is regarded as one of the most successful artists in South Africa. In 2014, he established his own record label, Family Tree Records

Sauti Sol

Sauti Sol is a Kenyan afro-pop band formed in Nairobi, Kenya by vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, and Savara Mudigi in 2005. Initially an a cappella group, guitarist Polycarp Otieno joined before they named themselves Sauti Sol.

Sauti Sol released their debut studio album Mwanzo on 1 November 2008, to critical acclaim. Their second studio album, Sol Filosofia, was released on 25 February 2011, earning the group a number of accolades and nominations in the process.

On 18 June 2012, the band released a self-titled extended play in collaboration with South African rapper and record producer Spoek Mathambo.

Their third studio album, Live and Die in Afrika, was released online on 21 November 2015 as a free download, available for 48 hours as an early Christmas present

Nasty C

Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo known professionally as Nasty C, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

After releasing three mixtapes, one being “Undisputed” and two EPs, Ngcobo released his debut album Bad Hair (2016), and Strings and Bling (2018) which was associated and supported by his first tour, The Ivyson Tour.

He was the youngest recipient of an award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards, namely the Best Freshman Award.

In March 2020, Nasty C signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Records, and released his United States official single after joining Def Jam, “There They Go”, which gained him global recognition, he then released his third album on 28 August 2020, and his first on the label which is titled Zulu Man With Some Power (2020).

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You may be surprised that Africa harbors some of the biggest musicians in the world and that’s why we list the top 20 African greatest musicians of all time.

Who are the African greatest musicians of all time?  

Many of these musicians were pioneers of music genres that are made in Africa.

The authentic sound that comes from these men and women can only be envied by other musicians from around the world.

Over the years, the music collections of these musicians have never ceased to inspire people.

We have a list that has explored the legends Africa has ever produced in the music industry.

Top 20 African greatest musicians of all time

1. Fela Kuti

Fela Kuti is famous for his high-octane musical performances.  Kuti is argued to be the African greatest musician to have lived.

He was a political activist, instrumentalist, composer, musician, and pioneer of the Afrobeat.

He sang in a tone that was electrifying and inspiring in Pidgin English.

2. Miriam Mkeba

Mama Africa, aka Miriam Makeba has been called a true legend who used music in fighting for the rights of her people.

She was known for her stage performances and signature sound. She won a Grammy and lived her life to make South Africa music more powerful.

3. Ali Farka Toure

Ali Farka Toure is a Malian guitarist and singer, who fused the Malian local music with African American jazz.

He is a multilingual singer who made the languages in Mali popular with his music.

4. Yousssou N dour

Youssou N dour  is a Senegalese singer  and also a percussionist.

He got this flair in his music that changed the music industry in the country, blending hip hop, Mbalex, Cuban, and elements of pop.

5. Brenda Faisse

Brenda Faissie was that voice that never stopped ringing sweetly in your ears after listening to her music.

She was called the Queen of African Pop.

The songs of Faissie were powerfully written to pass a message to the South African oppressors and also to tell lovers that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

6. King Sunny Ade

King Sunny Ade is still making waves after decades in the Nigerian music industry.

He has toured around the world and he was the first person who made use of the pedal steel guitar in his country.

He sings juju music and has never stopped winning the hearts of his fans.

7.  Lucky Dube

Lucky Dube was known for his rejuvenation of African reggae music.  The music of Dube was so powerful that it didn’t stop giving hope to the people of South Africa.

He was legendary and a tour of the world.

8. Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The group is from South Africa, an award Grammy-winning group that has sand for the liberation of the country during the apartheid.

They became famous after they sang with Paul Simon on his album, Graceland.

9. Angelique Kidjo

She is an activist and Grammy Award winner from Benin. She is influential and supports the cause of women.

She is diverse and creative when it comes to creating great music.

10. E.T Mensah

Emmanuel Tettey Mensah, who is mostly referred to as E.T Mensah came from Ghana and was called the “King of Highlife” music.

He has played for the President of Ghana and toured the world to display his dexterity.

11. Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe

Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe often referred to as just Osadebe, was a Nigerian highlife musician from Atani.

During his career spanning over four decades, he became one of the best-known musicians of Igbo highlife.

His best-known hit was the 1984 single “Osondi Owendi”,

12. Oliver D Coque

Oliver Sunday Akanite better known by the stage name Oliver De Coque was a Nigerian guitarist and one of Africa’s most prolific recording artists.

De Coque was awarded an honorary degree in music from the University of New Orleans

13. Bright Chimezie

His music style became known as Zigima Sound, It is a genre that became popular in the Eastern part of Nigeria in the early 1980s.

It is a mix of traditional Nigerian music and Igbo highlife fused with chanted vocals.

Bright Chimezie used it to revolutionize the musical structure in Nigeria with lyrics that focused on social issues of the country in a rather funny way

14. Ebenezer Obey

Ebenezer Obey (born 3 April 1942 as Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo Obey-Fabiyi, MFR in Idogo, Nigeria), nicknamed the “Chief Commander“, is a Nigerian jùjú musician.

15. Koffi Olomide

Antoine Christophe Agbepa Mumba known professionally as Koffi Olomidé, is a Congolese Soukus singer, dancer, producer, and composer.

He has had several gold records in his career. He is the founder of the Quartier Latin International orchestra with many notable artists, including Fally Ipupa and Ferré Gola.

16. Onyeka Onwenu

Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian singer/songwriter, actress, human rights activist, social activist, journalist, politician, and former X Factor series judge.

Dubbed the “Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, she is a former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture

17. Hugh Masekela

Hugh Ramapolo Masekela was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer, and composer who was described as “the father of South African jazz”.

Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs

18. Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an internationally recognized South African singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and teacher.

Dubbed the “Princess of Africa” (a name she received after a 1990 tour), Chaka Chaka has been at the forefront of South African popular music for 35 years

19. Vusi Mahlasela

Vusi Sidney Mahlasela Ka Zwane (born 1965 in Pretoria, South Africa) is a Sotho South African singer-songwriter.

His music is generally described as “African folk” and he is often dubbed as “The Voice” of South Africa. His work was an inspiration to many in the anti-apartheid movement.

20. Majek Fashek

Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek (March 1963 – 1 June 2020) was a Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist.

His 1988 album Prisoner of Conscience included the single “Send Down the Rain”, which won six PMAN Music Awards.

Notable Mentions (New Generation musicians paving the legendary way for the Africa culture)

• Wizkid
• Davido
• Mafikizolo
• Burna Boy
• Diamond Platnumz
• Shatta Wale
• Sarkodie 

Top 20 African greatest musicians of all time

Fela Kuti

Lucky Dube

Miriam Mkeba

Ali Farka Toure

Yousssou N dour

Brenda Faisse

King Sunny Ade

Angelique Kidjo

E.T Mensah

Chief Stephen Osadebe

Oliver D Coque

Bright Chimezie

Ebenezer Obey

Koffi Olomide

Onyeka Onwenu

Hugh Masekela

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Vusi Mahlasela

Majek Fashek

Oris Wiliki.

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It’s actually not a crime to enjoy the music of the past, but what music will our generation be associated with?

Whenever I listen to Fela Kuti Anikulapo‘s songs or one of the old jams, I smile and ask myself, “Are any of this modern-day music going to have a lasting impact in society?” Almost all that Fela addressed in his “Beast of No Nation” is still happening today and whenever you listen to it, you’ll think they just release it a week ago because of its relevancy.

When compared to modern Music, old music is leagues ahead. It doesn’t matter what you enjoy listening to but the truth remains that music has gone downhill since 2010.

https://mp3bullet.ng/5-nigerian-songs-that-will-calm-you-down-when-you-listen-to-them/

It’s easy to tell the kids of today how impactful the songs of Fela, Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, and even Alhaji Agba (Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister) were to our society. But are today’s kids going to say the same to their kids with this our music?

Music these days are not lyrically good, it is just only about good beats, rather than having an enduring impact on the world at large.

Money has a negative impact on this and it’s what turns music to business rather than an art. Corporate titans largely influence studios and bands. Artists compromise integrity for a more lucrative payday even though it may take the band in a completely different direction.

The beat is not the only thing that makes a song truly great. Let’s forget hype, sales and chart success. A good song must transcend time, convey strong emotions, shift culture, and resonate with a large number of people.

https://mp3bullet.ng/top-11-nigerian-artists-who-have-their-own-record-label/

Sure, some top artists these days make amazing music, like Falz the bahd guy, Brymo, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Burna Boy, among others, but will these modern-day musicians go down in history as legends?

Perhaps Wizkid will, but will you be proud to tell your kids you grew up listening to Wizkid? What happened to the immortal rock bands like Bongos Ikwue and the Groovies, Fela and his band.

Bands and artists of the past used to make statements of importance and incorporate influential and difficult topics into their music.

Think of Onyeka Onwenu, Africa China, 2Baba, Asa. Their songs are not just about hollow subjects. They sang about things with deeper meaning.

SEE ALSO: Why Davido, Wizkid, Olamide Should Not be Compared with New Generation Artists

For instance, in 2Baba’s ‘E be like say,’ these are the lyrics:

See, all I want to say is that
They don’t really care about us
Because all they want to do is to get in touch with big bucks
Because they think the money gives them the power
But the power is nothing
If your people cannot get quality education
The power is nothing
If your people keep on dying of disease and starvation
The power is nothing
If your people have no peace (no peace)
The power is nothing
If your people cannot live in unity (eh)
See, why do you keep deceiving the people, my brother, my sister
See, why you make all this people to dey fight one another
Only God can judge you now [x4]
Another year has come
And now you want my vote once more
Oh no

Where is that in today’s “popular” music? Compare this to the brilliant mind of Naira Marley, whose lyrics in “Opotoyi” are:

Aya kinkini, bi obo Tiger
Sexy girl, je kin gbori si e laya
Papa e bi ti sugar, mo ti fe da, obo yen dun bi sugar
Da kin to da, o ni kin je kin oun mo kin to da
La nkan to fe la, je kan mo pe aiye la bola

Top 5 Nigerian Artistes Of The Decade

What’s the message in some of Naira Marley, Zlatan, Baddo, or Davido songs?

For the sake of our generation and in order to build a saner society, let’s hope that artists will return to the roots of music and perform heartfelt tunes that can make the world a better place, not a more egoistical one.

Producing music is not just about making money, it’s about changing society for better.

Music is an art.

–Yusuff

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A Nigerian native from Ogun State, VeliMas interest in music started at childhood. He draws his inspiration from Fela Kuti and Lucky Dube.

• SEE ALSO: Frank Edwards – Suddenly [Music]

He recently released a new single “Sorrow, Tears and Blood” which highlights the plight of the common citizen in Nigeria.

VeliMas is also known for playing the Saxophone.

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He had told me stories, of how he had wanted to grow dreads and become a Rastafarian after watching the likes of Ras Kimono. He then urged us to go on YouTube, and we watched “Rum-Bar Stylee.” As the video played, he had also done the dance along. Then after minutes of a long history class, he asked “Why Ras Kimono all of a sudden?”

“Ras Kimono is dead,” I had said, as softly as possibly. He literally grabbed me, and with a shaky voice had said “Are you serious?” I only nodded. He was sad, afterwards. That was just my cousin, who I’m sure, hasn’t listened to Ras Kimono in years. But he was sad, still, at news of his death. One can only imagine how millions of lovers of Reggae music, all over Nigeria, feel rigth now. One thing is sure, Ras Kimono’s death is a big loss to the entire industry.

Born Ekeleke Elumelu, the Delta-born maestro might have just started music in secondary school due to his passion and talent, his music quickly grew to have wide acceptance, as he chose to communicate the ills of the society, the sufferings of the people and the wrongdoings of the government, with his music. At a time, he was part of the group Jastix Reggae Ital which had another reggae icon, Majek Fashek, Amos McCoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie.

However, in 1988, Ras Kimono released his acclaimed album “Under Pressure,” under Premier Music, a label that was prominent in the 80’s, before the revolution of Kennis, later on. Songs like “Under Pressure,” “Kill Apartheid” “We No Want” are songs with socio-political themes on the album. Particularly, the biggest hit from the album was “Rum-Bar Stylee,” which got a video, and was very popular, across the country. Songs like “Gimme Likkle Sugar” and “Rastafarian” all graced the album, that was an instant hit, as it dropped.

Ras Kimono made a mark with “What’s Gwan” as he talks about the country, and addresses the government. He had also made a hit with “Natty Get Jail” a song that was originally written, when Fela was imprisoned. Before the song could be released, Fela already got bailed, so the maestro changed the direction of the jam.

For Ras, it’s a life for the people. If he didn’t do it for the people, who will? He passed on at the age of 60, leaving his legacy and catalogue of good music for the sould behind. Rest on, papi. You’re a hero. R.I.P. We love you!

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