JOHANNESBURG - Nkululeko Habedi, known as Flabba in the music industry, was stabbed once in the heart on Monday morning, his brother said.
“He was stabbed once in the heart around 2am. He was in his room,” his younger brother Tshepang Habedi said on the family's behalf.
He said that apparently there was an argument with his girlfriend.
“We do not know why they had an argument.”
His girlfriend was arrested after the crime in Alexandra, Johannesburg.
“I do not know when will she be in court. We do not have a case number as yet,” Habedi said.
“It is difficult for my mother. I am her only surviving child. My brother died in 1994, and now Flabba. I must be strong for her.”
He said his 60-year-old mother was deeply hurt by Flabba's death.
Neighbours, fans and friends gathered outside the house in 3rd Street to pay their respects. Cars were parked on both sides of the narrow street making it difficult to pass.
Neighbour Thabo Kau said Flabba was humble, despite his fame.
“He was friendly, he was not shy to sit and drink with us. He had no problem with people. We are shocked and saddened by his death,” said Kau.
He said they would remember him through his music.
“He might have gone but his music lives.”
The 38-year-old musician was part of rap group Skwatta Kamp, which formed in 1997.
The group of seven released their debut album “Skwatta Kampain” in 2001 and have received multiple awards and nominations. He released his solo album “Nkuli vs. Flabba” in 2006.
TRIBUTES FOR FLABBA
Tributes poured in on social media for South African musician Nkululeko Habedi, known as Flabba, on Monday, after news broke that he was stabbed to death.
On Twitter, the hashtag #RIPFlabba was trending by 10am.
One user tweeted: “#RIPFlabba still can't believe this is true. Shocking!”
Another user tweeted: “Gone waaaaay too soon... #RIPFlabba”.
Many users on social media only tweeted the hashtag and others referred to Habedi as an “SA Rap legend” and “one of South Africa's great rappers”.
Another tweeted: “Just heard the news, another legend leaves us, may your soul rest in peace #Flabba condolences to the family #RIPFlabba.”
People expressed gratitude for Habedi's contribution to the local music industry.
“#RIPFlabba thank you for your contribution to the growth of the Hip Hop culture in S.A.” a user tweeted.
Another tweeted: “#RIPFlabba SA hip-hop will not be the same without the Man of the Match; The Superhero!”
Others said Habedi's run was “short but memorable”. One user tweeted: “Saddened by da lose of one of SA's phenomenal rapper (at)keFlabba #RIPFLABBA”.
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation tweeted: “We join the rest of the country in mourning the death of acclaimed SA rapper and (at)Skwatta_Kamp member #flabba #RIP (at)siphodiam (at)Wawlife”.
Many fans tweeted and posted lyrics of his songs on various social media networks.
SABC TV show The Link tweeted: “We would like to pass our deepest condolences to the family & loved ones of Nkululeko “Flabba” Habedi. #RIPFLABBA”.
DJ Milkshake tweeted: “#RIPFlabba One of the best to ever do it”.
DJ Fresh posted a picture of Habedi on Facebook with the caption “:-( Rest In Peace #Flabba!!!”.
Others tweeted angrily that the death penalty should be brought back.
Sapa and IOL