14/05/2026
Maria and I first crossed paths way back in the day (early 90s) when I was doing ‘Studio Mix’ and she alongside Kutloano and Dzino as Black Rage, was running rage.co.za - a home for urban culture in the heady days post-apartheid. Back then, there were next to no local sites that documented the Black youth. She’d pop into the office to tell me about what or who was new and happening. I’d religiously dial up to the net, (ask your folks what that is 😂) from the office pc, once or twice a week to indulge in the latest news, interviews and reviews about Kwaito, hiphop and culture in general. What they did there, was massive 🙌🏾
And as the years passed and Maria’s career evolved into record label owner, PR maven, accessory and clothing designer, and DJ; I always felt a genuine warmth and respect for her straight-forwardness and humor, her fearlessness to explore her talents.
Seeing her across a room with her curls and signature red lippy, you knew there was a friend in the room who was so generous with her time and talents.
After her epic 50th, I said I hoped it was everything she wanted. She responded that it was: Perfect.
I’m comforted that you experienced that ridiculously joyous & wild celebration of who you were, and felt what you meant to so many people there. ❤️
The beautiful tributes I’ve read today, are far more eloquent than I could ever manage.(Read Thebe Ikalafeng and Brad Holmes’ tributes).
All I can say is it feels too soon for you to go, but your memory and impact and legacy on this city and this continent, on its people, on its culture will live forever. Rest easy now with your beloved father. 🤍🕊️🙏🏽
