Rapper Flabba dies at age 38, the legendary South African music star was stabbed to death by his girlfriend during a lover’s quarrel. Fans have taken to social media to express their sadness and pay homage to their favorite artist.
South African rapper Flabba has died, the man, who was at the top of the country’s hip-hop food chain since the early 1990s, was stabbed by a woman who was identified as his girlfriend.
Flabba, whose real name is Nkululeko Habedi, was killed at his Alexandra home in Johannesburg, South Africa in the early hours of Monday morning. A 26-year-old woman, who is said to be responsible of the killing, was arrested and she will be appearing at the the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to be officially charged with murder.
The South African Police Service first confirmed Flabba’s death on Twitter in a statement that read:
“#sapsGP Nkululeko Habedi, aka FLABBA, was stabbed & passed away; a woman is in custody.”
Local police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale later confirmed the sad news via an official statement. He said:
“At this stage we can confirm that a well-known musician was allegedly stabbed to death. His girlfriend is in custody and she is expected to appear in court soon.”
Flabba, a founding member of Skwatta Kamp, a group that changed the face of hip-hop music in South Africa, was a father of two. According to sources, the mother of his children is not the girlfriend. The alleged killer’s identity has not yet been revealed, but the rapper used to post photos of a woman nicknamed “Sugarface” on social media that many say is the girlfriend.
According to reports, Flabba was at nightclub until 1 a.m., he had a fight with his girlfriend while at the club. He was stabbed at his home around 2 a.m.. His friend and fellow group member Lebo “Shugasmakx” Mothibe confirmed this timeline of events. Mothibe shared on Monday’s afternoon:
“We’re not sure exactly who said what, but it was any sort of lovers quarrel, as usual. It’s just one of those things. We don’t know what led to what happened. No one will really know because none of us were there.”
Flabba’s brother, Tshepang, who was also in the residence, tried in vain to save his sibling’s life. He revealed:
“When I got there I found him on the floor and I tried everything; CPR, I tried to stop the blood from the wound. Obviously there must have been an argument – that’s what my little brother told me, because I was asleep. He told me that they started arguing and they locked him outside.”
The girlfriend allegedly stabbed the rapper once in the heart, when she realized it was fatal, she tried to kill herself by slitting her wrists. Her suicide attempt did not work and authorities were able to arrest the alleged killer.
After finding success with his group, Flabba launched a successful solo career in 2007 and won a South African Music Award for best rap album with Nkuli vs Flabba. Fans have taken to Twitter to show love and pay homage to the music star. The hashtag #RIPFlabba is still trending in some areas. Here are some of the most recent tweets.
Ahhh but this Flabba thang got into me so deep hey :(! #RIPFlabba
— Rising Star (@DumaNtando) March 10, 2015
Condolence to the family & friends. A huge loss to the hip hop community, I personally was waiting for his come to the game #RIPFlabba
— Pappas Maimane (@6ffbc54bfd794aa) March 10, 2015
I'm equally as outraged as I was when Reeva was killed. Domestic violence is criminal, irrespective of gender&cosmetic appeal.#RIPFlabba
— ♥Molly-Doll♥ (@MollyNcongwane) March 10, 2015
#RIPFlabba u may be gone but in our hearts, eyes & ears u still around we will always love n miss you dog #HEITA HOLA
— khanyisa jack (@Jikizinto) March 10, 2015
"Rappers don't die, they diversify" – HHP #RIPFlabba
— Saadiq (@itschot) March 10, 2015
We'd be hearing of the timing of the incident being the #InternationalWomen'sDay #RIPFlabba
— Mcebo•Makhathini (@mcebomakhathini) March 10, 2015
Sello “Nemza” Mofokeng, Flabba’s bandmate, has taken to Facebook to share his sadness with the world. He wrote:
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the saddest news this morning that one of my brothers, Flabba, has passed away. May his soul RIP, he will never be forgotten. Gone too soon with so much potential still. Will always love him. Life is a precious gift and he lived every breath with a full heart.”
What are your thoughts on Flabba’s death? Do you think there is more behind his killing?
