Award-winning South African music sensation Lebo Mathosa was killed in a car accident near Germiston in the early hours of this morning.
Her manager, Linzy Cowley, confirmed the accident today. She said she was meeting Mathosa's family later today, after which a statement would be issued.
Mathosa won Best Dance Album for her album Drama Queen at the MTN SA Music Awards (Samas) last year.
Police say Mathosa, 29, who shot to fame as a vocalist with kwaito outfit Boom Shaka, died instantly when she was flung out of the passenger seat of the vehicle.
Ekurhuleni Metro Police spokes-man Inspector Kobeli Mokheseng said the accident had occurred at about 12.
30am.
"It appears the driver lost control of the Toyota Prado Landcruiser on the N3 highway heading south between Grey Avenue and the Heidelberg off-ramp.
"The vehicle rolled several times, throwing the 29-year-old woman from the wreck before coming to a stop against a tree," he said.
"The 20-year-old male driver was treated for shock on the scene."
Mokheseng said they had opened a case of culpable homicide to determine the cause of the accident.
Shado Twala, a former radio DJ and the current spokeswoman of Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool, said: "I got my first SMS at about 6am today and it hasn't stopped.
"
"She was such an amazing singer and dancer. She was carving a career for herself internationally, with her unique, highly choreographed performances. She'll be remembered for her outrageous and sexy dances and costumes.
"
Rashied Lombard, director of events management firm Esp Afrika, said: "Besides the (Cape Town) jazz festival, I got to know her quite well.
"What I liked about her was her love for what she was doing and her enthusiasm," he said.
Lindelani Mkize, former managing director of Sony Music SA and now director of LME Entertainment, helped launch Mathosa along with Boom Shaka producer DJ Oscar.
"She was going to take over and become the Madonna of this country," he said. "It's a serious shock."
Mathosa shot to fame in 1994 as lead vocalist and dancer for Boom Shaka.
She launched her solo career in 2002 with the single Intro, featured on her debut album Dream. The album went gold four weeks after it was launched. After a break, Mathosa burst back on to the scene in 2004 with Drama Queen.
The album, her cover-girl status and her stage performance also assured her the position of representing MTV Base during their Africa-wide launch events.
In 2001 Mathosa won Best Dance Album for Dream, Best Dance Single for Intro and Best Female Vocalist at the Samas.
In 2001 Mathosa performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town and at the Celebrate South Africa concert in London's Trafalgar Square.
She went on tour in Malaysia and Singapore and sang for the Malaysian Queen. Mathosa also performed at the Kora Awards in 2004.
The performer also sang for 16 000 people at Nelson Mandela's 85th birthday celebration, as well as several other concerts, including ones staged to celebrate Youth Day and Heritage Day.
Mathosa's other achievements include recording with international star Keith Sweat and acting in South African television shows Generations, Backstage and Muvhango.
She also won the 2001 Style Best- Dressed Woman of the Year award and was nominated by FHM Magazine as one of Africa's sexiest women.
Mathosa was born in the small town of Daveyton, just outside Johannesburg, to Magdeline and Gerrit Mathosa.
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