Bubblegum music legend Patrick Magadze passes away

On Wednesday, 13 December, Vhembe as a whole and the music fraternity countrywide learned with sadness of the death of one of the most popular and highly esteemed legends of bubblegum music, Patrick Thinawanga Magadze from the group Patleo. Magadze (58), who hailed from Tshivhulani, outside Thohoyandou, passed away in the NHC Thavhani in Thohoyandou after being admitted for an undisclosed illness.

His only sibling and sister, Ms Thidivhiwi Mavis Magadze Nemakanga, confirmed that he had been sick for some time. “Patrick was everything to me, and I was the same to him. We used to share everything. He did piece jobs, but he would help everyone in need. I would share my salary and even my bonus with him to make life comfortable for him. This I did because of the love he had for others. He was in pain, but I believe he is now at peace. His death is a big loss to many. My heart is broken, but I am busy preparing for his funeral. We would like to give him a dignified sendoff,” she said.

His business partner and childhood friend, Mr Leonard Muvenda, with whom he had formed the music duo Patleo, said his death had left a big void in his life. “Patrick was more than a partner to me. We grew up together, we schooled together and sat at the same desk. After Grade 12, we went to the same music school in Gauteng. We started a music group that went on to make strides in the South African music space. Our music was in demand everywhere, and we became pioneers of the bubblegum era. I will remember him as a true friend to the end,” he said.

Pastor Thivha Lidzhade, who had known Magadze since his earlier years, said he was deeply moved and hurt by the loss of a dear friend and brother. “He was a selfless man who always wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives. I am happy that the seed I planted in his life when I took him to the El Shaddai Music School in 1985, together with Leonard, produced a legend such as he,” said Lidzhade.

Magadze and Muvenda formed their duo, Patleo, in 1988. Their first album under the name of Patleo was titled “Looking In” and quickly attained gold status. This success was followed by hits such as “Pick Eight”, “Ten of the Best”, “Y These”, and “Millenium.”

Some of the bands they produced and wrote songs for included Malum Piki Piki, Jekete, Stargoman, Zwinaphungo, Paul Mulaudzi, Berry Banga, Peter Maringa, Koekemoer, and Gushu and Friends, to name but a few.

Magadze will be buried at his home village on Thursday, 21 December.

Date:21 December 2023

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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