Mapaputsi’s Funeral Drama: Two Wives Attend Despite His Monogamous Commitment
The funeral of kwaito sensation Sandile Ngwenya, better known as Mapaputsi, took an unexpected detour filled with drama that could rival the plot of a telenovela. On September 14, 2024, the late hitmaker behind “Woza Fariday” was laid to rest at West Park’s Heroes Acre, following a church service at the Dlamini Multipurpose Centre Hall in Soweto. However, Mapaputsi’s passing wasn’t just a somber farewell; it was marred by controversy that had many shaking their heads in disbelief.
Let’s backtrack a bit. Following Mapaputsi’s death in a Durban hospital, his body made a rather unconventional journey to Gauteng. Reports surfaced that a friend was holding onto the kwaito star’s body against the family’s wishes, with allegations surfacing that this was part of an extortion scheme. The family claimed they were pressured into using a specific funeral parlour they hadn’t chosen, and if they refused, they faced a shocking demand for R50,000 to cover expenses related to the body’s removal and storage. Talk about adding insult to injury!
One family member expressed their frustration, stating, “We didn’t know this man. He did not even come with his real name,” detailing how the demands for money evolved from R50,000 to R35,000, all while they were left scrambling to protect their rights in an incredibly distressing situation. As if dealing with the loss of a loved one wasn’t hard enough, they found themselves confronting what felt like a painful game of chess, with a stranger calling the shots.
The family resorted to seeking guidance from industry professionals as they navigated this chaotic landscape, asserting that many who claimed to be friends were rather conspicuously absent during Mapaputsi’s illness and only appeared after his death, eager to cash in on the aftermath.
Then came the funeral itself, which took a jaw-dropping turn. According to Sunday World, mourners were left in shock as two women were introduced as Mapaputsi’s wives. Nitty Nhlapo and Dieketseng Ayola Ngwenya stood before the crowd, despite the kwaito legend not being officially in a polygamous marriage. The revelation stirred whispers and raised eyebrows among attendees, adding yet another layer of intrigue to this already convoluted farewell.
As Mapaputsi’s loved ones maneuvered through the aftermath of a tumultuous loss, they were reminded that drama may follow a legend even to their final resting place. The stories and stunts surrounding his funeral will surely be recounted for years to come, much like the infectious beats of his music that continue to resonate in the hearts of many.
In a bittersweet celebrity farewell, it’s essential to remember the legacy and contributions of Mapaputsi to the South African kwaito scene, even as the drama unfolds in the shadows of his passing. Rest in peace, Mapaputsi; your music may be gone, but your spirit — and certainly the stories surrounding your life — will live on.
