South African Rapper Dies After Heart Seizure

Award-winning South African rapper, Linda Mkhize popularly known as ProKid has been confirmed dead. The rapper 37, died in the early hours of Thursday, August 9, after suffering severe seizure whilst visiting friends.

The news of his death was made known in a statement released by his family, who confirmed the incident following an outpouring of tributes from fans and high-profile personalities on social media.

The statement reads: “The legendary SA hip-hop artist affectionately known as ProKid … passed away on Wednesday. He suffered a severe seizure attack while visiting friends and paramedics were called in to assist. They did their best to revive him to no avail and called his time of death at 8.38pm.” 

His family also pleaded for privacy while they dealt with the tragedy. “Further details will be furnished as soon as his family has gathered,” the statement also read. ProKid, while alive was recognised as one of the pioneers of hip-hop in South Africa. He will be remembered for his contribution to the industry and for hits such as Abagcwali, Ghetto Science and Uthini Ngo Pro. 

Formerly known as ProKid, the veteran hip-hop artiste was born on June 25, 1981 in Soweto. He was signed to Gallo Record Company after his independently released track Soweto became popular.His popularity is largely because he proudly represents South African ‘Kasi’ (Township) life, rapping in a mixture of vernacular and English. He believes that rhyming should not be language based but what matters is the delivery, how one can share what they want to share with the people.

“For me rhyming goes beyond choosing a language I feel comfortable with. There are things you can loose when using vernacular yet there are things that sound right when using African languages,” he once said in an interview.

With own unique voice and persona, Pro also says that the way each artiste defines themselves, makes their rhyming different, adding that it is because of this influence that he does not have a formal, strategic way of writing lyrics.He once front Pro for the Soweto rap group, Saudi Westerns, but later took to showcasing new talent on his releases and live performances. “It’s great to work with kids who have the same hunger I had, and still possess. Like minded people always work hard at reaching a common goal,” he stated.

While alive, Pro worked with various producers and rappers including, Dplanet, Amu, Nyambz, Omen and Draztik, Dome. In 2006, Pro co-presented SABC1’s dance show, Jika Ma Jika. In 2007 he travelled to the Netherlands, where he recorded some hits with the country’s much loved group, Tripple & Touch, an experience he cherished, as he got to perform at various clubs around Amsterdam and got to share the stage with P. Diddy.His entertaining and captivating live performances have afforded him the opportunity to be an opening act for HipHop international giants like Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent.