Johannesburg - Remembering Robbie Malinga in true Malinga style with music and production.
Friends, family and fans gathered to celebrate the life of a music maestro at Grace Bible Church in Soweto.
Master of ceremonies Kabelo Mabalane welcomed all present to celebrate the life of Malinga.
As a Soweto born and bred musician Robbie who is from Meadowlands, Soweto started his career in the '90s, playing keyboards for bubblegum musician Freddie Gwala of Amadamara fame and the group Platform 1.
#RemberingRobbieMalinga #RIPRobbieMalinga He was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and lost his battle on Christmas Day.
Today friends, family and fans remember the music iconic in Soweto. @ReporterStar @TheStar_news pic.twitter.com/RpX64w6i3X
— Nokuthula Zwane (@Zwane_2Li2Ls) December 29, 2017
He was one of kwaito pioneers with his group Vardos from the East Rand. His solo outing Insimbi placed him in the top league of the genre. He teamed up with Doc Shebeleza to start RoboDoc in 1999 producing monster hits like Ebumnandini and Skumfete.
As a producer he contributed in shaping careers of artists like Zahara, Brickz, Brown Dash, Kabelo Mabalane, Arthur Mafokate, Ntando, Nhlanhla Nciza, Izinyoka, Mzekezeke and Sbu of Amalawyer fame. He helped discover Malaika.
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Robbie worked with Lebo M to remix Lion King to Umhlaba Wabantu for local audiences. He also produced Bhakaniya, the Orlando Pirates theme song for their 70th celebrations.
#RobbieMalingaMemorial #RIPRobbieMalinga @ReporterStar @Iol performance by Lebo Sekgobela https://t.co/wWBRWWlRGd
— Nokuthula Zwane (@Zwane_2Li2Ls) December 29, 2017
He also lent his magic to superstar group Stimela, the late great Jabu Khanyile and gospel veteran Deborah Fraser.
Some of his more recent hits include duets with musicians Naima Kay (Sokwenzenjani and Sweetie Lavo), Kelly Khumalo (Sobabili and Baby Please), Musa Sukwene (Mthande) and Karabo Mogane (Sondela).
He was also the winner of the Mzansi Magic talent search show Clash of the Choirs in 2015 where he represented KwaZulu-Natal province.