Story
Arthur Mafokate (born 10 July 1962) is a prominent South African musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and businessman, considered one of the pioneers of kwaito, a genre a distinctive type of South African electronic dance music.
With a music career spanning over 20 albums, he has won many awards, including the prestigious South African Music Award for Best Male Artist. In addition to his musical endeavors, Mafokate is also the founder and CEO of a record label Record 999S.
Throughout his illustrious career, Arthur Mafokate has continuously released successful albums. Among his most notable works are Seven Phezulu (1996), Yiyo Yiyo (1998), et Arthur and Family: Making Music, Vol. first (2000). Collaborating with fellow artists such as Mafikizolo, Thembi Seete and Lebo Mathosa, Mafokate has left an indelible mark on the South African music scene.
South African musician
Arthur Mafokate | |
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Arthur Mafokate: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Info & About Data | |
First and last name: | Arthur Mafokate |
Born: | July 10, 1969 (54 years old) |
Place of birth: | Soweto, South Africa |
Nationality: | South Africa |
Education: | do not apply |
Height: | 1.75 m |
Parents: | Enos Mafokate |
Siblings: | Oupa Mafokate, Miemie Mafokate |
Couple: | Not married |
Girlfriend • Partner: | Queen Iyaya Sesoko (example), Busisiwe Cici Thwala (example) |
Children: | Kelello Mafokate, Arthur Mafokate Jr., Owami Mafokate, Onalenna Mafokate |
Job: | Musician • Businessman |
Net value: | 1,150,000 USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Born on 10 July 1962, in Soweto, Gauteng Province, South Africa, Arthur Mafokate is the son of Olympian equestrian and philanthropist Enos Mafokate. He is also the younger brother of late stars Kwaito Oupa Mafokate and Miemie Mafokate. Although originally from Soweto, his family later moved to Midrand.
Arthur’s childhood was challenging, marked by his father’s frequent absences due to work and his mother’s limited involvement in his upbringing. Raised by his grandmother, Arthur faced adversity from an early age.
Despite these early difficulties, Arthur Mafokate demonstrated exceptional intelligence and talent. He excelled in studies and showed his passion for music very early. His journey into the entertainment industry began at the age of 10 when he began dancing, eventually becoming a backup dancer for famous South African artists such as Brenda Fassie and Johnny Mokhali at the age of 16.
Arthur Mafokate’s educational journey is not yet complete, but his commitment to learning and growing as an artist remains unwavering.
Career
An important achievement in Arthur Mafokate’s career was the release of his debut album, oh oh oh, in 1997. The album received widespread acclaim, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the Kwaito music scene. After that, he continued to release successful albums such as Kaffir And Heaven.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Mafokate has also expanded his scope into business and entrepreneurship. Under his 999 Music brand, he founded a dance academy and diversified into various businesses. In addition to pursuing a career, Mafokate also participates in charity activities, especially supporting activities related to education and youth development.
Awards & Nominations
- Song of the Year at the 1998 SAMA FNB Awards for his song “Oyi Oyi”.
- Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 South African Metro FM Music Awards.
- Special Recognition Award at the 2017 South African Music Awards.
- Kwaito Legend Award at the 2018 South African Hip Hop Awards.
- Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at the 2019 South African Music Awards.
Social Media
- Twitter: @ArthurMafokate
- Instagram: @arthurmafokate
- Facebook: Arthur Mafokate
Personal life
Arthur Mafokate, a Kwaito artist and producer from South Africa, has never been married. He is the father of four children, from three separate relationships. His eldest son, Arthur Mafokate Jr., was born in 1994. Owami Mafokate, his daughter with Queen Iyaya Sesoko, was born in 2000. The youngest members of his family, his two daughters Kelello Mafokate and Onalenna Mafokate, born from his association with Busisiwe Cici Thwala in 2006 and 2010.
Arthur Mafokate’s life was marked by many turbulences, having endured a number of high-profile relationships and subsequent breakups. His relationship with Cici, in particular, was tense, culminating in accusations of mutual assault. Although Mafokate’s legal case was eventually dismissed, the incident left a lasting impact on his reputation.
CD
This is a list of studio albums by Arthur Mafokate:
- 1994: Windy
- 1994: Fraud
- 1995: Kaffir
- 1996: Die Poppe Sal Dans
- 1997: Oyi Oyi
- 1998: Chomi
- 1999: Umpostoli
- 2000: Mike
- 2001: Seven Phezulu
- 2002: Hai Bo
- 2003: Skulvyt
- 2004: Mamarela
- 2005: Sika
- 2006: Vanilla & Chocolate
- 2007: Dankie
- 2007: Arthur Vs. DJ Mbuso: Round 1
- 2008: Kwaito Meeting House
- 2011: Hlokoloza
- 2013: Commander
Net value
Arthur Mafokate is a singer, record producer and businessman from South Africa with a net worth of R22 million (approximately $1,150,000 USD). He is widely recognized for his kwaito work and has recorded over 20 albums. Mafokate also operates several businesses, including a record company, a clothing line, and a car dealership.