Amapiano star Mfana Kah Gogo is mourning the death of his beloved grandmother, Matrina Mbonambi.
The musician, whose real name is Sipho Mbonambi, has been left heartbroken after the woman who raised him died following an illness.
Matrina Mbonambi died on Monday, 29 June 2026. She was 81 years old.
Her passing has hit the young star hard because their bond was more than just a normal grandmother-and-grandson relationship.
To him, she was a parent, a best friend and the person who helped shape his life.
A Painful Loss
Mfana Kah Gogo said his gogo meant everything to him.
He described her as the love of his life and said her death has left a deep wound in his heart.
The young star said he does not know who he will laugh with or tease anymore.
His grief is easy to understand.
For years, his grandmother was one of the most important people in his life.
She raised him when his mother was away from home working as a domestic worker.
She also became a strong parental figure after his father died when he was still very young.
According to Mfana Kah Gogo, his father died when he was in Grade 2.
That painful loss made his bond with his grandmother even stronger.
The Woman Behind His Name
Mfana Kah Gogo’s stage name was inspired by the close relationship he shared with his grandmother.
That alone shows how much she meant to him.
Many fans know him as the young amapiano star with a name that honours his gogo.
Now, that name carries even more emotion.
It is no longer only a brand.
It is also a tribute to the woman who helped raise him.
Matrina Mbonambi was there during his early years.
She supported him, guided him and gave him the warmth he still speaks about today.
He has previously praised her for always being present in his life.
She Raised Him With Love
Mfana Kah Gogo said his grandmother served as both mother and father to him.
Those words show the role she played in his upbringing.
She helped him become the strong person he is today.
Her love gave him stability during difficult years.
Her care also helped him chase his dreams at a young age.
Many young artists struggle to balance family, school, pressure and fame.
For Mfana Kah Gogo, his gogo was one of the people who helped keep him grounded.
Her death now leaves a painful gap.
Music Journey Started Early
Mfana Kah Gogo started singing while he was still in primary school.
He has spoken before about spending time with older boys and learning from the music world around him.
When he was in Grade 6, he released a hip-hop song titled Going Back.
However, his career changed direction when he moved into amapiano.
In 2021, he released Jabula, the song that helped introduce him to a wider audience.
From there, his name started growing in the South African music scene.
His story became even more inspiring because he achieved success while still very young.
Built a House for His Mother
Mfana Kah Gogo also made headlines when he built a big house for his mother at just 19 years old.
He used money earned from music to change his family’s living situation.
That moment touched many fans.
It showed that his success was not only about fame.
It was also about family, responsibility and gratitude.
His grandmother’s influence was part of that journey.
She raised him with values that helped him understand the importance of taking care of loved ones.
Funeral Arrangements Pending
The family is still expected to meet and discuss funeral arrangements.
More details will be shared once the family has finalised the programme.
For now, Mfana Kah Gogo and his loved ones are mourning privately.
Fans have also started sending messages of comfort and support.
Many know how much his gogo meant to him.
Because of that, her passing feels personal to those who followed his journey.
Remembering Matrina Mbonambi
Mfana Kah Gogo said it was painful to see his grandmother suffer.
Although he understands that she was elderly and in pain, he still feels she left too soon.
He said he still needed her.
That is the pain many people feel when they lose someone who raised them.
No age ever feels old enough when the person was deeply loved.
Matrina Mbonambi will be remembered for her love, warmth and influence on her grandson’s life.
Her legacy lives through the young man she raised.
For Mfana Kah Gogo, this is more than the loss of a grandmother.
It is the loss of a best friend, a parent figure and the woman behind his name.
Sources: Daily Sun
