Top 10 South African Celebrities Who Died In 2023

This blog post pays tribute to the Top 10 South African Celebrities Who Died In 2023, highlighting their background, career, impact, achievements, and personal anecdotes. Join us in expressing condolences and gratitude for their contributions to the entertainment industry. Celebrate their joy and inspiration as their memory continues to live on in our hearts.

In 2023, South Africa mourned the loss of several beloved celebrities whose contributions will be forever cherished. Let’s take a moment to remember these remarkable individuals and the legacies they have left behind.

It is always a somber moment when we bid farewell to individuals who have left an indelible mark on our lives and the entertainment industry.

In 2023, South Africa mourned the loss of several beloved celebrities whose contributions will be forever cherished. Let’s take a moment to remember these remarkable individuals and the legacies they have left behind.

Below are the Top 10 South African Celebrities Who Died In 2023

Zahara

Zahara, whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutana, was laid to rest after a service at the East London International Convention Centre. The 36-year-old singer died in a Johannesburg hospital after she was admitted earlier in December 2023.

Zahara has passed away aged 36

Zahara died on the 11th of December due to liver complications. The singer was admitted in a Johannesburg private hospital for a few weeks, but her health deteriorated, and she passed away with her family and fiancé by her bedside.

Zahara’s music is classified loosely as “Afro-soul” and she sang in her native language, Xhosa, as well as in English. Her music has been described as a mixture of styles popularized by Tracy Chapman and India Arie. Zahara started her career busking on the streets of East London.

Costa Titch

A 28-year-old rapper  died after reportedly collapsing while performing on stage in South Africa. Tributes were been paid to Costa Titch, whose real name was Constantinos Tsobanoglou. Footage on social media showed him appearing to stumble and fall to the ground during his set before being helped to his feet

Costa Titch-Costantinos Tsobanoglou
South African rapper Costa Titch died after collapsing onstage at Johannesburg’s Ultra South Africa music festival on March 11, 2023.

Costa Titch, real name Costantinos Tsobanoglou died during his performance at the Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg on 11 March. He fell on stage twice and passed away. The 28-year-old reportedly died due to epileptic seizure, but his mother who is managing her late son’s Instagram account claimed her son might have been killed.

AKA-Kiernan AKA Forbes

Kiernan AKA Forbes died on the 10th of February in front of Wish restaurant in Durban.

According to the Times Live, police sources in Durban stated that AKA was shot dead in a drive-by shooting. A person believed to be AKA’s bodyguard, per IOL, was also wounded. Another unidentified individual, who the outlet says is understood to be AKA’s close friend, has also been reported to be fatally sho

AKA-Kiernan AKA Forbes
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023), AKA, Photo- People Magazine

The rapper shot in the head and the CCtv footage went viral on social media. Investigation is reportedly still ongoing as it was declared that Supa Mega was assassinated. However, Bheki Cele recently disclosed that the murderer is a close associate of the South African star.

Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane

Kiernan Forbes was killed along with his close friend, the chef and entrepreneur Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. The pair are thought to have been on their way to a nightclub for a performance as part of Forbes’ birthday celebrations when they were shot

 

Celebrity Chef Tibz died on the 10th of February 2023, same spot with his slain friend AKA. Tebello also stepped out of Wish restaurant in Durban and was shot dead.

 

Mark Pilgrilm

Mark Pilgrim died on the 5th of March in his house after a long battle with cancer. The radio personality had stage four lung cancer before taking his final breath.

Mark Pilgrim has lost his brave battle against stage four cancer. The 53-year-old broadcaster died at 10.45am on Sunday morning 5th March , at home with his fiancee, Adrienne. Managing director of HOT 102 FM, Lloyd Madurai, said, “They were together for his last breath,” adding, “He fought valiantly to the very end

Always in our hearts’ – Loved ones share memories.. Mark Pilgrim’s life was honoured in a private memorial service in Johannesburg

Mark Pilgrilm is Dead - Photo -BusinessLIVE
Mark Pilgrilm- Photo -BusinessLIVE

 

Zoleka Mandela

Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of anti-apartheid heroes Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, died on Monday evening after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 43. Her death fell one day before her grandmother’s birthday

Zoleka Mandela, Granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, Dead at 43
Zoleka Mandela

Mandela had herself documented her decade-long battle against breast cancer in an autobiography called When Hope Whispers. She confirmed that the cancer had returned in 2022, when it was confirmed during a CAT scan

In what was supposed to be a dignified send-off, drama was the order of the day as Zoleka’s body had to be exhumed. She was not buried alongside her grandmother Winnie Madikizela-Mandela at the Fourways Memorial Park as initially reported.

Angie Oeh

Afrikaans rapper, Angelique Eurika Greeff, 24, known as Angie oeh, died on Saturday following a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Greeff died at Life Wilgers Hospital in Pretoria following her diagnosis on Monday

Afrikaans rapper, Angelique Eurika Greeff, 24, known as Angie oeh, died-Photo.(MambaOnline)
Afrikaans rapper, Angelique Eurika Greeff, 24, known as Angie oeh, died-Photo.(MambaOnline)

Afrikaans musician Angie Oeh revealed in August that she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.She asked for financial assistance with her medical expenses and revealed that she will need at least R200,000.

James Alexander

Jacaranda FM on X: "Beloved actor James Alexander has sadly passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace, James💜 More here: https://t.co/70DpRrerd2 https://t.co/OLbRKr60gS" / X
James Alexander

James Alexander, aka James Gracie Date of birth: 8th January 1978 Demise: 28th April 2023 Age at death: 45 years James Gracie was an actor and writer. He is best remembered for Discreet, Eye in the Sky, and Semi-Soet. He died on 28th April 2023 after a spirited battle with head and neck cancer.

 

Patrick Ndlovu

85 years Legendary actor and consummate professional Patrick Ndlovu was best known for Knuckle City, Oddball Hall, and Shaka Zulu. He died on 30th May 2023 of natural causes.

Patrick Ndlovu- Photo ( The Citizen)
Patrick Ndlovu- Photo ( The Citizen)

Date of birth: 15th November 1938

Demise: 30th May 2023 Age at death:

 

As we remember these South African celebrities who passed away in 2023, let us also celebrate the joy they brought into our lives through their talent and dedication. Their work will continue to inspire future generations, and their memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

May Their Souls Rest In Peace.

Which other SA celebrity died in 2023? You can add to the list

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