The Tshivenda hip-hop scene has lost one of its most vibrant voices with the passing of Thendo Floyd Tshipota Mbelengwa, better known as FloydBest. The Venrap star, celebrated for his hit single I Don't Care, was laid to rest on Saturday, 15 March, in his home village of Madombidzha.
FloydBest grew up in Madombidzha and attended various schools before completing his matric at Berea Park Independent High School in Pretoria. He later obtained a diploma in computer science, studied safety management at UNISA, and enrolled in NOSA's SAMTRAC programme.
Despite his academic and professional pursuits, music remained his first love. FloydBest was an integral part of the Venrap movement, collaborating with artists such as Toofab, Framework Official (FWO), Mizophyll, Fizzy Too Fab, Cjay The Don, Mac Fam and Percy Mukwevho. His dedication to hip-hop earned him Best Rap Single at the Pretoria Music Awards, a milestone that cemented his impact in the industry.
Speaking after receiving his award, FloydBest said: "Hip-hop means a lot to me; personally, it's a lifestyle. It allows me to be who I want to be, regardless of what other people think. It is art, poetry – it's all I have and all I will ever need. Without hip-hop, I wouldn't be complete."
His words reflected his deep passion for music and the role it played in his life. Beyond music, FloydBest contributed to various industries. Between 2016 and 2018, he worked as an intern in the South African Police Service's human resources development division. More recently, he played a key role in his uncle's businesses, working at the A Brand Called You clothing label and helping build the Haqua (Hadji Water) purification brand.
His family and friends remember him as a kind, hardworking and compassionate soul who always had a smile on his face.
FloydBest is survived by his mother, Julia, his sisters, Candy and Inno, and a large extended family who cherished him deeply.