Oupa Mafokate
Oupa “Makhendlas” Mafokate (born 22 December 1970) was a pioneering South African Kwaito musician from Soweto, best known for the hit singles “Iminwe,” “O Skatata” and “Lefatshe Lee Kela Makhendlas.” He was one of the first Black artists to gain national Kwaito prominence under the 999 Records label, founded by his brother Arthur Mafokate.[1]
Music career
His second album, Jwaleng (1997), featured the socially-themed title track Otla shwela jwaleng (“Check out you party animal…”) as well as the single “Jealous,” both of which became staples on township dance floors.[1]
In late 1998 he released the single Iminwe Phezulu (“Hands up”), which was celebrated by fans and later referred to by Arthur Mafokate as a “national anthem.”[2]
Early life
Oupa Mafokate, known by his stage name "Makhendlas", was a brother to Arthur Mafokate.[3] He was born and raised in Chiawelo, Soweto.[1] He is the son of Olympic equestrian and philanthropist Enos Mafokate. He joined his brother's 999 record label and released two albums under it.[4]
Death
On 31 October 1998, Mafokate was due to headline a concert in Tonga (now Mbombela).[5][6] According to his label manager Mpho Makhetha, the event turned violent when a fan began harassing Mafokate’s crew. In the ensuing brawl, Mafokate “whipped out his gun and pumped three bullets into the troublesome man,” then, overwhelmed by grief and confusion, turned the weapon on himself and died by suicide at age 28. Makhetha later defended Mafokate’s carrying of a firearm as a response to the industry’s lack of security for township artists.[1]
Legacy
Annual tributes: Each 31 October, Arthur Mafokate and fans commemorate his brother’s death. On the 18th anniversary in 2016, Arthur posted on Instagram:
- “On this day 31st October a few years ago, we lost a humble brother who had just released a national anthem titled #IminwePhezulu. #LongLiveMakhendlas #Iminwe #Emenwe.” Fellow entertainers, including Penny Lebyane and Tony Kgoroge, joined the tribute in the comments.[3]
Discography
- Makhendlas 1995 [7]
- Jammer 1998
- Ampiki 1999
Singles & EP's
- Jwaleng 1997
- A Tribute To Makhendlas 1998
References
- ^ a b c d Reporter, Staff (1998-11-06). "Township tragedy". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
- ^ Tshisalive (31 October 2016). "Arthur Mafokate leads tributes paid to his late brother Makhendlas on 18th death anniversary". Sowetanlive. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Arthur Mafokate leads tributes paid to his late brother Makhendlas on 18th death anniversary". SowetanLIVE. Archived from the original on 2024-09-15. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
- ^ "999 Music turns 21".
- ^ Watkins (@GrouchyGreg), Grouchy Greg (1998-11-07). "Makhendlas Commits Suicide". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
- ^ Reporter, Staff (1998-12-24). "They died in 1998". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
- ^ "Makhendlas". Discogs. Retrieved 2025-05-28.