Lebo Mathosa, the queen of South African hip-hop, has been killed in a car accident near Johannesburg. She was 29.
Mathosa's striking look, stunning vocal range and incendiary dance routines had made her one of the most popular artists in post-apartheid South Africa. She helped pioneer 'kwaito', the South African version of hip-hop.Initial reports suggest Mathosa lost her life on the N3 Highway near Germiston, east of Johannesburg. She died at the scene, not long after the car she was travelling in flipped over. Her driver was treated for shock and minor injuries.
Mathosa's manager released a statement, "Unfortunately, Lebo was killed in a car accident in the early hours of this morning. We send our condolences to her family and friends."
Mathosa's fusion of R&B and traditional African music developed during her time in 1990s outfit Boom Shaka. Her career exploded when she went solo in 2000, with her debut album 'Dream' garnering her the Best Dance Album, Best Dance Single and Best Female Vocalist at the South African Music Awards.
More recently, Mathosa performed in front of 16,000 people at Nelson Mandela's 85th Birthday concert.
Pallo Jordan, South Africa's Culture Minister, eulogised, "We will always remember her as a highly gifted, young African 'Drama Queen' who used her life, talent and career to promote pride, respect and appreciation for African music, dance, fashion, heritage, art and culture."
