Romeo Maboko, better known as Director Maboko, a respected music video director and multimedia producer from Tshiungani village, has died at the age of 33. He passed away on Thursday 22 May.
Maboko made a lasting impact on the local music industry, particularly through his efforts to promote artists from the Vhembe region. He served as executive producer of the song Miloro, which won Best Tshivenda Hit Contribution at the 2022 Limpopo Music Awards (LIMA), and directed Bona Fide, which won Best Music Video at the same event. He also played a key role as executive producer in helping the reggae duo Burning Fire win Best Reggae Group at the 2022 South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA).
He is survived by his partner, Nthabiseng Sandra Maake, and their three children. His death has left both his family and the music community in mourning.
"It's been hard to comprehend, but we're staying strong for the kids. I want him to be remembered as a thoughtful visionary who shaped the music industry, supported many artists, and was a devoted father, partner, and son," said Maake.
Maboko was known for creating visually compelling music videos and for his dedication to uplifting local talent. While studying multimedia design at the University of Johannesburg, he co-founded Bushbox Production. In 2016, he launched his own company under the name Director Maboko.
Together with Maake and longtime collaborator Khorommbi Mphaphuli, the company managed artists, produced films and documentaries, and distributed music — often with a strong focus on promoting indigenous languages and cultural heritage.
His love for the arts began in childhood, inspired by his uncles Tshamano and David Sebe, both actors. After matric, he enrolled at Tshwane North College to study art and design but left because of social pressures. He later completed a qualification in multimedia design at the University of Johannesburg in 2015.
"He always shared his ideas about where he wanted to take the business. We will continue his legacy — Burning Fire will keep releasing music, and we'll keep supporting artists the way he did," said Maake.
Maboko will be laid to rest on 31 May at his family home in Maniini K Portion, near Thohoyandou, and buried at Mbaleni Cemetery.