Pioneer of rap music in South Africa, born Linda Mkhize but better known to his fans as ProKid died Wednesday night at the age of 37. The rapper passed after suffering a severe seizure.
Family members state that medical services were called to assist however Mkhize was pronounced dead.
Mkhize’s last major performance was held at the Basha Uhuru music festival.
Rest In Peace #ProKid, what a great performance you delivered at Basha Uhuru. How you waved at the crowd when you finished performing… went backstage and returned to wave back some more… saying your goodbyes to your fans. You were a true genuine gift to the hip hop world!
— Basha Uhuru (@BashaUhuru) August 9, 2018
The rapper had been out of the limelight for some time but took the opportunity to perform.
While on stage, he was quoted as saying “What a beautiful crowd.” The master of ceremonies for the festival countered by adding, “A lot of you might not know but he is one of the founders of commercial hip-hop and I say commercial hip-hop respectfully. So‚ one last time‚ make some noise.”
Family members confirmed that he was with close friends when he suffered the fatal seizure.
Born on June 25, 1981, in Soweto, South Africa, the rapper chartered a lustrous career with the release of his hit “Soweto.”
The entertainer was known for rapping about life experiences as lived by those in South African townships. He was savvy at combining English and vernacular. He explained, “For me, rhyming goes beyond choosing a language I feel comfortable with. There are things you can lose when using vernacular yet there are things that sound right when using African languages.” [sic]
Before his demise, the rapper was able to share the stage with P-Diddy, Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent.
So saddened by the sudden passing of Linda ‘ProKid’ Mkhize. Pro, aged 37, was known for hits like ‘Wozobona, Soweto and Ungaphel’ Umoya Son.
Condolences to his family, friends and loved ones ❤?? #RIPProKid pic.twitter.com/sZKNI5zzS8
— IG: @bontlephiri (@BontlePhiri) August 8, 2018
dudes like ProKid, Proverb, HHP, Zola 7 made me love SA hip hop b4 you AKA. “Uthini ngoPro” will always remind me of ProKid ?
— Kid Frey (@alfredsenator) August 9, 2018
We have to do something with the number of white people in this country, there’s way too many of them. This old red neck man of European descent just called Prokid an “unknown rapper”
— Mapholoba (@IAmPholoba) August 9, 2018
#RIPLindaMkhize thank you for the music #prokid
— Lucykazembe (@Lucykazembe2) August 9, 2018
what was your favorite song by ProKid?⛈ (sekele) pic.twitter.com/82XFB2H2KK
— Vuyo ‘k Qwathi (@Vuyo_Dikela) August 9, 2018
Wow I never thought that I would say rest in peace to Prokid so early. #RIProkid https://t.co/vBp9pwF7Sa
— Lehlohonolo (@Lehloho63712757) August 9, 2018
