President Jacob Zuma has paid tribute to Mandoza as someone who crossed the cultural divide with his music in South Africa.

“South Africa has lost one of its pioneers whose music appealed to a cross-section of our people, young and old and was known to have achieved the unique crossover culturally to be enjoyed by both black and white South Africans,” Zuma said in a statement issued by the presidency on Sunday evening.

Mandoza passed away earlier in the day after a long battle with cancer which had reportedly spread to his brain.

He appeared on the stage recently for the last time at Orlando Stadium in Soweto where he performed at the SABC Thank You Concert in honour of 90% local music content on all radio stations under the public broadcaster.

Zuma described Mandoza as a pioneer of Kwaito music and said he would be missed by all.

“It is a great loss to the nation and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Mpho, his family and hordes of fans. Mandoza will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.”