South African musician and music producer Rajive Mohan died on Monday morning, four days before his 58th birthday, IOL reported.
His brother, Viren Mohan, said the musician collapsed at his home. He was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead.
Viren said his brother would have turned 58 on Friday.
Mohan lived in Durban. He was the band leader of Dilkash, a popular show band known for live Bollywood style entertainment.
He worked as a singer, composer and lyricist. Some fans called him South Africa’s AR Rahman. His songs included Pasina, Aitbaar and Chance.
Dr Rajendran Govender, a commissioner at the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights (CRL) Commission, paid tribute to Mohan online. He said Mohan was a bridge between cultures, generations and musical traditions.
Govender said Mohan played alongside many local and international artists and made their shows better.
“His music transcended boundaries, connected people and reminded us that the arts possess an extraordinary power to unite humanity,” Govender said.
“Rajive understood that true greatness is not always about standing in the spotlight, but sometimes about helping others shine within it,” Govender said.
He said young artists could learn from the way Mohan lived and worked. “Talent may open doors, but humility, discipline and generosity of spirit leave a lasting legacy,” he said.
Govender sent condolences to Mohan’s family, friends, fellow musicians and fans on behalf of the cultural and artistic community.
Fellow musician Tansen Nepaul said the news came as a deep shock. “Rajiv is well known in the music industry and his contribution to the arts is known internationally,” Nepaul said.
He added that his thoughts and prayers were with the family.
Deshan Styler Naidoo described Mohan as an icon of the local music industry. “For decades, Rajive Unna gifted us with this incredible musical genius, leaving an undeniable mark as an incredible composer, sound engineer and band leader,” Naidoo said.
Naidoo said Mohan was also a “genuine, authentic, warm and joyful soul” who brought people together. He sent his condolences to Mohan’s family.
Kerolin Govender also paid tribute, calling Mohan’s death “a profound loss for our musical family”. “Uncle Rajive Mohan was a remarkable soul, a true legend,” Kerolin Govender said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.