Messages of condolences pour in for Biza
Maureen Odubeng | Friday October 7, 2016 16:06
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national, kwasa-kwasa star managed to wow fans who follow that genre of music, with his energetic performances and stage presence.
Information reaching Arts/Culture is that the DRC man died of heart failure. Biza, until about three years ago, had been staying and doing music in Botswana since the early 1990s. Biza became an instant hit with local kwasa-kwasa fans, owing to his passion for music, and his skill as an entertainer. Upon his arrival in Botswana, he joined Alfredo Mos and Africa Sounds as a dancer and back-up singer. He immediately caught the eye of kwasa-kwasa music lovers with his stylish clothes and stage antics.
Biza and other members of Africa Sounds at some point in his music career formed a band called Extra Melody. The band recorded O ba bone and Black Mampatile with Biza. He was one of the individuals that upcoming musicians could look up to, considering his spirit of perseverance. Despite the challenges he faced in his music career, he never gave up, and had determination to become one of the respected musicians in Africa.
Biza’s colleague, and fellow musician, Kapenda Katuta, who is also from DRC, posted on his Facebook timeline about Biza’s passing on Friday and soon after, messages of condolences started flowing in, with some remembering how and where they met Biza and what a gentle and loving person he was. The post reads: “The Lord has recalled our brother, colleague and friend BIZA this morning. MHSRIP....BIZA go well my brother, bilengi bisilaki te- it wasn’t enough. However God is our master”.
Minutes after, posting the message, fans and friends started pouring their hearts out in shock and disbelief. Some of the messages read:
“May His Soul Rest in Peace, I thought it was all jokes” - BotsDiva Vebrok.
“I don’t really know what’s happening. I’m short of words...may his soul rest in peace” - Sethunya Katalina Gaatlale.
“Aaaaaaa... I’m confused guys, I’m hurt. Anyway God knows” - Molf Molf.
“RIP bro Biza, you left us with a gift, your music will live forever!” - Sidney DJ’Ndala Baitsile.
“May your soul RIP The owner of Rhumba..” Mpule Suzu-rih.
“Great musician...surrender all to Thee. Amen”-Gosego Machaya.
“Ohhh I loved his music a lot. May your soul rest in peace”-Ellein Lesego Mangi Saul.
“We will always remeber you with that whistle! You left legacy THAT was your brand! MHSRIP” - Olebile Konkonyane.
“I love his rapping in Motho/Person album, ne a e tshwere ka botswerere, MYSRIP BIZA MUPULU” -Pontsho Maphale.
“Aoo..this world is cruel. Rest in eternal peace Bizah Mupulu king of rhumba. You will always be remembered and your music will live forever!” - OT Kebapetswe.
“Ke utwa gotwe he died of heartatack, and I’ve been wondering what might have caused his death because I talked to him last week and he never told me he was sick, I even asked him when is he coming bck to Botswana and he said no I am not caming back, I am enjoying life this side’, as for you Tilly Matilda Biza’s wife and his two children I say gomotsegang batho betsho,” Lesego Mlesho Cassilas Tikologo.
Biza had a number of albums under his belt, which he released as a solo artist. The albums include Gape Gape, Ba ipotsa ka nna. At some point in his music career Biza adopted the name Dr. Biza.
Katuta, described Biza as a great entertainer. He said he fist met Biza at Sethugetsane Bar in Mmopane, where he (Biza) was performing. He said from that point on they became friends and also developed a professional relationship, which saw them record and perform together.
The versatile Katuta said Biza knew what he was doing, describing him as someone who had immense talent.
Katuta, who is a vocalist, producer, arranger and performer, expressed regret that the industry had lost great talent in Biza. He said apart from projects Biza had worked on with other musicians, Biza recorded four albums as a solo artist.