Pat Shange

Pat Shange Imae via Twitter @OfficialSAMPRA

RIP Pat Shange: COVID-19 claims life of iconic township bubble gum artist

Pat Shange had a remarkable impact on South African music and will be remembered for his thrilling contribution to the industry.

Pat Shange

Pat Shange Imae via Twitter @OfficialSAMPRA

This year has already claimed the lives of two legendary South African musicians and has now taken to the life of another. 

Pat Shange, who died at the age of 65 on Tuesday 13 July, will be remembered next to Tsepo Tshola and Jonas Gwangwa.  

PAT SHANGE’S DEATH CONFIRMED

The news of Pat Shange’s death was confirmed by his wife on Tuesday . Speaking to SowetanLIVE on Tuesday, Patricia Shange confirmed that he passed away at Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital in Soweto after being hospitalised for COVID-19 related complications. 

Patricia said that he was rushed to Chiawelo Clinic in Soweto on Saturday after not being able to breath but was stabilized and transferred to Chris Hana Baragwanath on Sunday. 

PAT SHANGE’S WIFE REMEMBERS HIM

Being married to Pat for 33 years, Patricia  remembers him as a bubbly person who was loud and who loved jokes. She explained that she noticed he was quite frustrated because he couldn’t work due to lockdown. 

“He recently released a mbaqanga album but it did not do well because of what is happening in the country. Not being able to work was really frustrating him.”

Patricia Shange

SHANGE’S LEGACY

Pat Shange was a soul and mbaqanga artist who rose to success in the 1970s and 1980s.He is also remembered as a township bubblegum artist. Township bubblegum became popular in South African townships in the 1980s and early 1990s. 

Some of his most memorable songs are Sweet Mama, Shayile Time and Casanova.

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