‘Flabba’ memorial service unites artists (gallery)
The South African arts fraternity was yesterday united in remembrance of slain hip-hop star Nkululeko Habedi in Newtown, Johannesburg.
Murdered rapper Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi’s daughter, Lesego Habedi, is comforted by her mother Mpho, left, and grandmother Pearl during a memorial service held in Newtown, 11 March 2015. Picture: Refilwe Modise
Artists, fans and family gathered at popular club Bassline to commemorate the life of rapper “Flabba”, as he was affectionately known to his fans. Habedi was widely praised for the authenticity with which he lived his life. Many said he was a person who was true to himself.
“He did not retract – he meant what he said,” said friend Ramesh Masina. Habedi was also hailed for never shying away from his roots.
“He took Alex to the world and took the world to Alex,” said Lebogang “Shugasmakx” Mothibe, one of the founding members of Skwatta Kamp, the hip-hop group Habedi was a member of.
Although emotional, Habedi’s friends remembered him for the humorous moments they shared. Siyabonga “Slikour” Metane, another Skwatta Kamp founding member, said Habedi had great talent.
“Flabba was so good he never had to work… He never needed the industry, the industry needed him.” Metane said Habedi’s music came from the heart.
“If you say Flabba’s lines, you would sound cheesy and stupid. He would say the lines and he’d sound aggressive or funny.”
Globally renowned singer singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka also graced the memorial service. She used the platform to appeal to government to support young local artists.
“Give our children the support that you’d give to Jay-Z when he comes,” she said.
