Langalakhe Mabena
Legendary multi-award-winning Jazz and Afro Soul musician Jeys Marabini has mourned his long-time South African friend and producer Nkosinathi ‘Carlo’ Mpanza, who died on 3 March at the age of 41 after a short illness.
He was part of the multi-award-winning Soul group Mina Nawe which comprised Carlo, the Candid ‘Manchild’ Shaw and Zanele ‘Mazet’ Maseko.
Mpanza produced Jeys Marabini’s latest ten-track album titled Xola (Forgive), which was released on 26 November last year at Bulawayo Theatre.
Marabini described Mpanza as “a great soul.”
“On a sad note. l have lost a good friend, an amazing musician Nkosinathi ‘Carlo’ Mpanza, a music producer who produced my new album Xola. He was a member of the famous ‘Mina Nawe’ Afro Pop group from South Africa. What a great loss. May his soul rest in peace,” posted Marabini on his Facebook timeline.
Nkosinathi Mpanza was a gifted singer, song-writer and producer from the East of Johannesburg, South Africa.
His colourful music background – painted with hard work and undying love for what he does, goes far and beyond the roots of his childhood days when his talent was discovered.
It wasn’t late or even too early when he decided to nurture his gift and hone his craft by making a career of it.
He co-founded the dynamic trio of Mina Nawe and went on to produce and sing in the group.
Before Mina Nawe’s international acclamation and accolades, he had already made a name for himself, producing and writing for some of Africa’s celebrated talents including, Jeff Maluleka, Joe Nina, Chico Thwala, Speedy and the late Kwaito Kingpin Brown Dash.
Candid ‘Manchild’ Shaw, is the only surviving Mina Nawe group member.