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Brown Dash dies

Written by Tazteeq from the blog Opinion Ramp on 10 May 2012
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Yesterday, the very same day the world lost of its true star Brenda Fassie eight years ago, another Kwaito Legend died. 



South Africans lost its prominent kwaito veteran Brown Dash (Real name Simphiwe Mpamile) and social networks went on a rampant buzz as celebs and unknowns poured condolences. 



Brown Dash hailing from Zola in Soweto was diagnosed with pneumonia in 2010 and his health plummeted from there on, receiving rave reviews from the media. It’s reported that Dash complained about not feeling well and was taken to hospital where he died. His wife Lunga also died last year May. 



Brown Dash shot to fame with a kwaito outfit Amaskumfete in the song ‘Tsipa’ in which he did lead vocals. He later went solo and catered extensive vibey hits like the beyond-catchy ‘Phansi kwemthunzi welanga’, the punchy anthem ‘Puff and Pass’ and ‘Mthandazo wabolova’ which was in his 2nd album and picked a SAMA nomination, all respectively released during the height of his fame in the mid-2000’s. 



Originally signed under TS Records Brown Dash became a household name, defined Kwaito in his own way, and made being ghetto look ‘cool’ and ok. He soon left TS records (with veteran Afro-Pop sensation Ntando) and joined DJ Cleo’s stable due to some financial dissatisfaction from the TS Records management. TS Records even took his Mini Cooper away – mxm. His comeback album ‘Back2kasi’ didn’t do well and his fame lamps were running out of oil then. 



His recent performance was at Mdu Masilela’s 40th birthday and the SAMA’s (where people went abrasive on his physical appearance). It’s said that Dash continued to use prohibited substances amidst his sickness. Whether it was z3 or pneumonia or influenza which terminated this star’s life, Dash gave us great music and leaves a great legacy of sound. 

RIP Dash! 

@narekenana



63 Comments

makisto
10 May 2012 11:50

Skeem saam you got so much music knowledge hey. This is beautifully written and I think it does justice to poor Dash. May his soul rest in peace. He indeed did contribute to the growth of South African music and made the ghetto look look cool.

He will be missed yazi. Speaking of Mdu, when is he releasing again?

Vandimerwe
10 May 2012 11:54

may his soul rest in peace

Thibi
10 May 2012 12:01

Ah. Phanzi kwe mthunzi we langa.....I liked that song to bit. RIP brother man.

@Taz what a professional, short piece you have written about him.

Cheesa
10 May 2012 12:03

Hey I didnt know he was part of Amasgufete I've been wondering whatever happened with that group. 

Shame rest in peace Brown Dash your misuc will live on my brother. You gave us some hits that made us dance and enjoy with out friends and those close to us. 

Mthunzi Welanga will remain a hit even after decades and decades. I still love that song it still makes me move. Its so unfortunate that Brown Dash had to die when it seems like he was picking up his career and appearing in events and even performing. 

It is as if he knew his day was coming so he wanted to do what he loves before he lives this earth. 

I even said we saw him recently at SAMAs so we are not talking about someone who disappeared for a long time. We are talking about someone who was still able to do what he loves. I just hope he will get a decent and dignified funeral :-(

RIP Brown Dash!!

Lobby the girl
10 May 2012 13:13

Eish this is sad news indeed..i loved BD, didn't know he was sick until today..i saw the sowetan clip boards on my way to work but i didn't belive it..ag man, his songs still makes me dance even today..Phansi Kwemthunzi..Puff n pass...

RIP BD!!!!!!!!!!ya music will live on..

VusiK
10 May 2012 13:57

the pictures in the SAMA article do not show him as OK ...

My question ...

why do people who love attention ,
Knowing they are really in bad shape
Go and exhaust themselves by being out & about?

If You're unwell ... stay your ass indoors until you are well enough not to put yourself in danger by going out !!!

Impondokazi
10 May 2012 14:06

beautifully written, thank you Tazz

i'm heartbroken shame :(

MsChap
10 May 2012 14:17

May his soul rest in peace..... I'll always remember his music .....

Tazteeq
10 May 2012 14:18

I agree and disagree with you VusiK...I think Brown Dash loved what he was doing, he wasnt necessarily frail, thats why he still went to perform at the SAMA's and Mdu's party...i do agree that if he didnt feel better he should have just stayed home and watched from the tv though,

personally if i was famous and suffered such a heavy weightloss i'd stay home until God calls my name! i dont think i can handle all those things Tweeps said about him at the SAMA's

swazzy
10 May 2012 14:24

Yoh sowetan bloggers are something else close to 700 comments and still going about how Dash had HIV n how reckless he lived his life.. It is so irrelevant right now whatever he died of it doesn't matter he is gone..We choose the way we want to live. May his soul rest in peace

VusiK
10 May 2012 14:29

I'm listening Tazz ...

I'm stating that he looked like death warmed over & was driven to the SAMAs by the grim reaper ....

It is not the first time these showbiz people go to functions & look like they are already going up that ladder ... and we hear they fell over dead a few days later ....

My question is why do people put themselves through this ... If you are ill ... Stay your ass home till you are strong.

I don't know what ailed him ...

but ...

If he died of TB ... now everyone who came into contact with him must go get TB tests within the next few months.&

That would have been irresponsible & reckless & dangerous of him ....

C'mon people ... Let's start seeing the forest for the trees.

Tazteeq
10 May 2012 14:31

Yoh sowetan bloggers are something else close to 700 comments 

the Sowetan Bloggers are ruthless and vile! they are the most angry people on the internet!

market
10 May 2012 14:31

hi guyz
oh! i remember that song ngaphansi komthunzi welanga gone ar those days.
May his soul rest in peace.

market
10 May 2012 14:36

@VusiK just have a heart pls!

babye
10 May 2012 14:39

TS records

Vandimerwe
10 May 2012 14:46

Zahara must watchout

Favoured
10 May 2012 14:51

its unbelievable yaz

Rest in peace BD

Favoured
10 May 2012 14:51

its unbelievable yaz

Rest in peace BD

makisto
10 May 2012 15:29

TS records
Zahara must watchout
Kwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa you guys are killing me

VusiK
10 May 2012 15:45

Sorry guys ... I did not know the man, & not a fan ... My condolence to is people, but there are facts we simply wake up to.

VusiK
10 May 2012 15:50

It just happens to be very difficult for me to really sympathise with anybody who must have known they were that seriously ill to go an attend a function.

poshspice
10 May 2012 15:54

@VusK I believe that he was going to die any time and he knew that - he decided to die doing what he loved best...he knew he was not going to recover and that people were looking at him, he didn't care, he wanted to leave on high note and he did by performing at the SAMAs, he actually got an opportunity to bid farewell to his fans....

poshspice
10 May 2012 15:54

@VusK I believe that he was going to die any time and he knew that - he decided to die doing what he loved best...he knew he was not going to recover and that people were looking at him, he didn't care, he wanted to leave on high note and he did by performing at the SAMAs, he actually got an opportunity to bid farewell to his fans....

poshspice
10 May 2012 15:54

@VusK I believe that he was going to die any time and he knew that - he decided to die doing what he loved best...he knew he was not going to recover and that people were looking at him, he didn't care, he wanted to leave on high note and he did by performing at the SAMAs, he actually got an opportunity to bid farewell to his fans....

VusiK
10 May 2012 16:01

@Poshspice ... I respect his choice

But I do not sympathise with it.

I know plenty of people who are certain they are dying & doing what they love, but when they go and exhaust their life force doing what they love ...

sympathy ...

I can only send my condolences.

I'm a soldier also ... I'd gladly die with my boots on, so I respect his decision to go with his boots on ... and I'm not analytical about what condition killed him, but in our days & times ... I trust and hope that it was safe for him to go out without effecting people beyond the sympathy and empathy his exit deserves.

Understand ... I'm not being vicious, or hating ...

Just being logical

babye
10 May 2012 16:03

ha ha ha

babye
10 May 2012 16:07

seeing BD reminds of Zombo - i will never forget that day when he went to LIVE to tell everyone that he had AIDS.....

poshspice
10 May 2012 16:23

By the way Vusi, TB is not infectious if you are on medication, meaning as soon as you start treatment, you cannot infect other people. I'd like to think If he was coughing they wouldn't have allowed him to perform. But I take your point. I'm also not a great fan....he did look sick but I think they dressed him well and he looked decent

poshspice
10 May 2012 16:23

By the way Vusi, TB is not infectious if you are on medication, meaning as soon as you start treatment, you cannot infect other people. I'd like to think If he was coughing they wouldn't have allowed him to perform. But I take your point. I'm also not a great fan....he did look sick but I think they dressed him well and he looked decent

poshspice
10 May 2012 16:23

By the way Vusi, TB is not infectious if you are on medication, meaning as soon as you start treatment, you cannot infect other people. I'd like to think If he was coughing they wouldn't have allowed him to perform. But I take your point. I'm also not a great fan....he did look sick but I think they dressed him well and he looked decent

poshspice
10 May 2012 16:24

eish I'm not sure why my posts triple...*hides*

VusiK
10 May 2012 16:35

TB is infectious all the time, until it is cured ... It is only less infectious whilst treated.

Cnglemother
10 May 2012 17:01

hayi ke ngoku Vusi does this even need to be debated making logic and what not?couldnt the poor guy just die on a high note and whatever he had (not that i know)i doubt would have harmed anybody at the SAMAZ.what was sitting at home nursing the illness going to help with in this case?it was already too late ebezijabulisa okokugcina bakithi.

Cnglemother
10 May 2012 17:06

@Taz its as if they are in competition on who's could be the meanest of them all.

Tshd21
10 May 2012 17:15

Kwaaaaaa! I trust you guys' comments to inject life into a boring RIP article... Phanz'kwe mthunzi we langa, seng'blome na bangane bam!! Thank you for the music brother, go well... isiVoomVoom!!

Green.arrow
10 May 2012 17:51

I just heart 'mgezeni umtanami'...I loved that track. RIP to him.

VusiK
10 May 2012 19:06

I agree with everyone ... R.I.P. but for me, there is no Bang he went out with here !

VusiK
10 May 2012 19:34

I suppose it is personal how one wishes to be last remembered.

PruLuv
10 May 2012 23:55

Nice write up @Tazteeq. Yoh @VusiK you are mean, lol. It's like saying if you've gained too much weight, you must stay at home. Iyooh!

Chix
11 May 2012 09:05

Nice article Tazz... you never disappoint even when writing RIP articles we still find humour in your words!!

VusiK do you have a log in for the Sowetan... there are times when you really sound like abaya bantu bakwi SOWETAN!!! Go easy on the dude he is already dead... 

Well I was never his fan!!! It won't hurt to say RIP though!!!

Njoy
11 May 2012 09:06

@Taz well done.

Something untoward is happening in the music industry and I don't even know who's to blame for it. Indeed we had musicians dying after their performances such as South Africa's stalwart Miriam Makeba who died during her performance in another country nogal. She should have known she was not well but she had to do it due to reasons unbeknown to us. Was it financial matters? Why would someone who has suffered so much fighting for this country up to the point of being forbiden to burry your own mother sacrifice her health like that?

We had musicians who died lonely deaths such as Lebo (forgot her surname) "Paradise Road" who died of AIDS which was contracted after a rape incident. She begged till her death to be offered one more chance to record in order to make ends meet but no one ever offered her that opportunity.

Many have died with that request of doing it once more and receiving more gigs to no avail. I'm happy for the people who still had heart to give Brown Dash another opportunity to do what he was famous for. Those were true friends in need.

However some people give up in life as soon as they diagnosed with a life threatening diseases and the brave ones soldier on.

May his soul rest in peace.

Cheesa
11 May 2012 09:34

As much as I also though he should have watched from home but it is also good I am sure he was happy when he performed at SAMAs seeing how his health was and that he might live this earth soon. At least we are talking about his recent perfomance which must have been great for his fans to see him for the last time doing what they know him for. He must also be smiling in heaven.

Ey Njoy now that something Mam Mirriam Makeba also died doing what she loves somewhere in another country knowing very well that her health is not good but went ahead and went overseas. 

And there's also Minister Prada something who also recently died overseas doing his job, why aren't we saying he should have also stayed at home and nurse his health? Or his case doesn't fit in this scenario?

henryb
11 May 2012 11:46

was listening to Brown Dash mix from Metro FM dis morning. Dam dis guy was very good indeed. Infact he was supposed to be given title ya King of Kwaito. Sondela ngezo ku kebeze vum vum. Ayoba

bomyy
11 May 2012 11:54

ubrown dash akabaleki uBrown uyam' uyalwa, uBrown yisosha futh' uBrown' uyam' uyalwa

Impondokazi
11 May 2012 12:31

yhooo Bomy that song, was an anthem yase kasi lol.

BD was really gud shame, ndiyamkhalela. Someone said "why Brown Dash??? Why not AKA??" lmao

bomyy
11 May 2012 12:37

ewe neh Impondo, everytime i see his name i just think of that song, i finally thought what the hell let me write, and then realized while writting that i did not know the lyrics, lmao... i used to love that guy joe, wayendicharma straight, phansi komthunzi welanga!!! aaaaaaahhhhh!!! yhooo! hamba Dash, uyoba jivisa ezulwini

Tazteeq
11 May 2012 13:13

"why Brown Dash??? Why not AKA??" lmao

LOL, that person should have Tweeted that to AKA, he is very arrogant and thinks the world  belongs to him and him alone!

Once during my 2nd year at varsity i heard on the camous radio that BD was comning, i literally bunked practicals to go and watch him from the radio booth window during his interview, when he got out we mobbed him and i took pics with my Motorolla V360 Phone...BD was so friendly and that day he scored a fan in me.... 

Impondokazi
11 May 2012 13:37

Motorolla V360 Phone aw madoda.........back in the days lol lol

bomyy
11 May 2012 14:13

uBrown dash used to have i girl friend eTUT in this other res ekuthiwa kuse the height, this other friday him and his friends went to check this girl, unfortunately or fortunately for them they got there at the same time as the bus that was coming from the classes, Students saw that it was BD in his mini cooper and they just went infront of his car and started dancing phansi komthunzi welanga. after hooting for them to move away but they did not he got out of the car, wavulela isound and played that mthunzi welanga track, he then got on top of the car and started perfoming in front of every one. Students even gave him a squeeze bottle to use as a microphone!! there was a mini street bash suddenly!!! damn damn!!! i loved him so much nkosi yam

Impondokazi
11 May 2012 14:26

wow Bomy................he really knew how to treat his fans. he was great maarn :((((

bomyy
11 May 2012 14:41

yes he did shame, and i do not care how he died! he was one of the greatest Kwaitorists to ever live in Mzansi... puff and pass, imnandi ngeyndlel' ezningi lento
aw ksukel izolo sishis'izolo sishay' umoya azishe tsotsi. Puff and pass!!!

Shosho1
11 May 2012 14:41

Ncooh Bomyy>>>probably one of the craziest moments in his life and so beautiful to read about. May his soul rest in peace. And to the rest of us, just remember, it can happen to you.

bomyy
11 May 2012 14:46

It just happens to be very difficult for me to really sympathise with anybody who must have known they were that seriously ill to go an attend a function.
VusiK here is the thing, Brown dash is now dead and you sympathising with him really will not do anything for him, he is dead and does not need sympathy, we are not feeling sorry for him, but feel bad for those who are left to grieve due to Dashe's death, yaqonda? and we as fans are really sad now cos he was a great musician, a musician who was also human being! just cos he lived his life the way he did, it didi not make his music any bad. He was still great and like everybody else had his imperfections!!

Vesa
11 May 2012 14:58

aaaahahhhhh bomyy......that made me teary eyed!

mangqezu
11 May 2012 15:59

i used to see him a lot in my area eFourways but he always looked like udinga izambuk cos his lips were always dry.

RIP to him

mangqezu
13 May 2012 14:32

Not suprised at the Sunday paper's reports that pple should contribute to Brown's funeral costs or else he'll get a pauper's funeral. Someone really needs to teah our artists some basic investment tips cos this is a trend.

mbulela
14 May 2012 14:15

an investment blog will do a world of god to the black community not just our artistes.

Tazteeq
14 May 2012 14:26

yho, i heard that his family needs help to bury him... sooooo sad, all that money he made for TS Records - i mean he was the first artist at TS Records to reach a Gold status, all the albums he released under TS sold well... where is that cash? Dont these people save? damn...

babye
21 May 2012 15:27

i saw BD's funeral on saturday news, its sad that it was such a huge funeral but seems no one was there for him when he needed them.... 

very sad.

VusiK
21 May 2012 16:18

@Mbulela ... Black people are "Right Now" people ... only a minority is actually interested in planning & investment ... People here ... are into instant gratification (thanks to media ... especially American media) ... Investing take discipline most people cannot wrap their minds around easily ... It's a simple fact of our times & lives. If a person is not inheriting it, chances are very slim that investments (for the future) are on the mind. Kill me if you wish ... I do not have much faith in the progressive young black investor.

Kandyfloss
21 May 2012 16:47

most time we complain and mourn about the government failing us one way or the other. Blame our backgrounds. We never want to take the blame for living fake lives and impressing whoever we think cares. (Not talking about brown dash)

Tazteeq
21 May 2012 16:50

i couldnt have said it better Kandyfloss

VusiK
21 May 2012 17:55

My point exactly Kandyfloss ... Youth would rather give the impression of instant success ... Statistically ... most people spend & waste 50% - 75% of their life's earnings by the age of 28 ... I would speculate that black people probably waste an additional 30-45% over that statistic.

Impressions, opinions, & self image ... not very healthy among dark skinned young people... Sad state of affairs as far as I'm concerned.

Hence ... the only people I tend to even consider as candidates are my children ... and those who elect to prove that they are interested in having wonderful futures ...

I developed to where I no longer care... Talk is extremely cheap ...


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