Popular South African rapper, a former convict Pitch Black Afro has lost his mother. His mother Geli Amelia Vilanculos Ngcobo died a week ago at her house in Orlando East and was buried this week at Avalon Cemetery, Soweto.

Pitch Black Afro, real name Thulani Ngcobo, is known for his hit singles such Ntofontofo’, Never Let You Go and Let’s Make Love.

The 45-year-old rapper told the publication he is grateful for the time he got to spend with his mother after his release from prison.

“My mother passed away in front of us, while we were listening to radio stories on Ukhozi FM. She asked us to put her on the couch as she was tired from standing, not knowing those were her last words. She was 82, I’ll always love her,” he said.

 

 

His mother’s death was a blow for him as he is still coming to terms with the death of his wife Catherine Modisane on December 31 2018.

“My mother and my wife where everything to me and I was planning to record a song for my mother in August, as it’s woman’s month, but it wasn’t meant to be. She supported me in my trying times and stood tall for me while the country turned on me.”

He was granted a special remission of sentence last year.

Pitch Black Afro was sentenced to 10 years in prison for culpable homicide, of which five were suspended, in June 2020 for the death of Modisane. He served three years.

Correctional services department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo told TshisaLIVE last year the muso was released from jail.

“The department can confirm Thulani Ngcobo was released as his sentence expired on August 18 [2023]. He benefited from the special remission of sentence,” he said at the time.

“Culpable homicide is among the offences covered by the special remission of sentences. There are no conditions to his release as his sentence has expired.”