Nhlanhla Mbambo, the late South African music legend Brenda Fassie’s former husband, has sadly passed away at the age of 54.
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Brenda Fassie’s Former Husband Dead
His untimely demise occurred in Durban on October 2, 2023, as he succumbed to a brief illness while receiving medical care at King Edward Hospital.
DJ Muntu Khoza, a close friend and spokesperson for the Mbambo family, confirmed this tragic news to ZiMoja:
“Yes, he left us last night [2 October 2023], and that is all I can confirm for now.”
Nhlanhla Mbambo and Brenda Fassie’s Unforgettable Wedding
In 1989, Brenda Fassie and Nhlanhla Mbambo tied the knot in a lavish wedding ceremony that captured the public’s attention. This remarkable event unfolded in Cape Town, marked by a blend of excitement, jubilation, and chaos.
Brenda wore an exquisite beaded white gown complemented by a meticulously crafted headdress. The wedding party included celebrities like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who served as Brenda Fassie’s matron of honour, along with bridesmaids like Gospel legend Rebecca Malope and Mercy Pakela. The event drew a multitude of South African artists, making it a spectacular affair.
Brenda’s bridal attire was inspired by Princess Diana’s iconic gown, while Nhlanhla’s suit took cues from the style of Prince Charles of the United Kingdom. The couple spared no expense, and the celebration was nothing short of extravagant. In fact, they even slaughtered two sheep a day at Brenda’s home for the community.
Regrettably, their marriage was short-lived, as Brenda Fassie and Nhlanhla Mbambo divorced just two years later in 1991. Brenda expressed her dissatisfaction, claiming that Nhlanhla was primarily interested in her wealth. Despite the challenges they faced, their wedding remains an unforgettable moment in the annals of South African entertainment history.
The Jail Time
In 1999, Nhlanhla Mbambo, then 31 years old, joined forces with Pule Mdlul and Darius Petlele in an attempt to rob businessman Gregory Xonoulos of his Mercedes-Benz. The trio held Xonoulos and his friend at gunpoint, demanding the car keys.
Xonoulos promptly reported the incident to the police and identified the three assailants, leading to their subsequent arrest. In 2000, Magistrate P. du Plessis sentenced Mbambo and his two co-accused to a 10-year jail term.