Brown Dash
Brown Dash | |
|---|---|
| Born | Simphiwe Mpamile 1977 |
| Died | 9 May 2012 (aged 34–35) Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Genres | Kwaito |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | c. 2000-2009 |
Simphiwe Mpamile (1977 – 9 May 2012), known professionally as Brown Dash, was a South African kwaito musician. He is notable for hit songs like Sguqa Ngamadolo, Puff 'n Pass and Phansi Komthunzi Welanga.[1] His album Umthandazo Wabolova won Best Kwaito Album at the 2005 South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
Early life
[edit]Mpamile was born in Soweto, Johannesburg. South Africa. He gained the nickname "Brown Dash" from his fondness for vehicles with brown dashboards. Mpamile was inspired by Mandoza, Mdu, Zola and Mapaputsi.[2]
Career
[edit]Mpamile gained recognition in 2002 after performing alongside Mzekezeke on the song Sguqa Ngamadolo and as well as contributions to Mapaputsi's hit song "Izinja".[2]
In 2002, Mpamile released his hit single Puff 'n Pass, produced by DJ Cleo. His album Puff 'n Pass was released the following year.[3] His debut album sold over 25 000 units. In 2005 he released the critically acclaimed album Umthandozo Wabolova.[4] He later released Dashboard (2007), which was not a commercial success. In 2007, he went through a highly publicised, acrimonious financial split from his record label, TS Records. After the split, he released Back2Ksi (2009), which was not a commercial success.[5]
Song writing
[edit]Mpamile wrote songs for Mdu Masilela, Zola 7, and Bricks.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- Puff 'n Pass (2002)[6]
- Umthandazo Wabolova (2005)
- 'Skhathi Sakhona (2006)
- Dashboard (2007)
- Back2Kasi (2009)
Awards
[edit]- 2005 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) - Umthandozo Wabolova: Best Kwaito Album.[2]
Death
[edit]In 2010, Mpamile was diagnosed with pneumonia. He had been in and out of hospital since then. After battling health issues, Mpamile died on 9 May 2012 at the age of 33. He shares the exact anniversary of the death of the "Queen of African Pop," Brenda Fassie.[4] He died at the Chris Hani-Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Two weeks before his death, he performed Ngeke Balunge at the 18th SAMAs awards.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Mpamile was married to Lunga. At the time of his death, Mpamile had two sons, daughter and a mother.[2]
References
[edit]- ↑ Mofokeng, Lesley. "Obituary: Saying peace out to a humble Brown Dash". News24. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
- 1 2 3 4 "Brown Dash - an unexpected star". Sowetan. 2012-05-11. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
- ↑ Ghetto, Ruff (2003-06-25). "Puff n' Pass - Brown Dash". IOL. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
- 1 2 "ANCYL: Brown Dash was an inspiration". News24. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
- ↑ Reporter, Staff (2012-05-10). "Kwaito star Brown Dash confirmed dead". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
- ↑ Brown Dash - Puff 'N Pass, 2002, retrieved 2026-05-19
- ↑ "Kwaito star Brown Dash rumoured to be no more". News24. Retrieved 2026-05-19.