If you watched the Cape Town Sevens rugby this past weekend one thing would have been obvious – people really, really like rocking out to Mandoza’s iconic ‘Nkalakatha’.

It was a very sad day back in September when the beloved musician succumbed to cancer, and there have been a number of touching tributes since his passing.

Some played out on TV screens and grabbed headlines around the country, but last Thursday in Pretoria saw one that might have flown under the radar.

At the opening of the Magents store in Menlyn Park some of South Africa’s biggest musicians gathered to pay their respects, including the likes of Reason, Blaklez, Stoan and Akio.

The loss really hit home for Magents owner Didier, whose friendship and bond with the late musician stretched all the way till his final days.

Here’s Didier sharing a story about his late friend, with Mandoza’s family in attendance as well:

Renowned businessman Herman Pillay was in attendance – here he is together with Mandoza’s wife Mpho:

This picture came with this text over on their Facebook page:

Celebrating Mandoza last night was more than special. The Tshabalala family is us. Mpho stood by Mdu like the Queen she is and we shall raise the family with her.

His spirit will remain in our souls and our DNA as we were one in the many.

Thank you for Celebrating with us and the whole Tshabalala family, noGeneral bekakhona!!

We are One Afrika, Bring out those Warriors WithIN!!!

A look at the store front:

Mandoza was actually present at the Magents launch in Canal Walk earlier this year:

And a bit more about Magents and what they stand for:

Menlyn Park is Magents’ third retail store, and fans of this edgy urban streetwear brand can look forward to more original and exciting apparel and accessories in the label’s characteristically colourful style.

T-shirts, sweatpants, denims, chinos, shoes and hoodies make a multicoloured statement about conscious fashion and contemporary culture, but is securely underpinned by an urban simplicity that celebrates freedom of expression and the joy of being alive.

Most importantly, Magents puts their cash where their consciousness is. Every Magents garment is made in Africa because being fashion forward means making choices to revive and empower a local industry in dire straits.

South African fashion doesn’t need to stand back for international brands, so it’s about uniting, educating and choosing consciously to stimulate a fashion revolution that can contribute to an economic revolution.

Amandla, a message we can all get behind.

Back to the man whose life they celebrated, though – at the end of the day it’s heartening to see some of the country’s biggest musicians turn out to pay their respects.

Mandoza may have left us, but his music will always be there to put a stamp in our step.