Spokes H
Spokes H | |
|---|---|
| Born | Letona Spokes Hlatshwayo 29 March 1968 South Africa |
| Died | 23 July 2013 (aged 45) Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Genres | Township pop |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter |
| Years active | Late 1980s – 2013 |
| Labels | Gallo Record Company |
Letona Spokes Hlatshwayo (29 March 1968 – 23 July 2013), known by his stage name Spokes H, was a South African township pop musician and songwriter. He rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s through songs including Tamatisous, Rabaki, and Peace Magents. In 2018, he was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards.[1][2]
Early life
Spokes H was born on 29 March 1968 in Evaton township of Sebokeng.
Career
Spokes H emerged as a recording artist and producer during the late 1980s before Kwaito music, a period marked by the growth of township pop and bubblegum music in South Africa. He started producing local musicians such as Sea Bee with a hit song, Thiba.He gained recognition for songs characterized by humor, everyday social themes, and multilingual lyrics reflecting township life.
He recorded and released music primarily through the Gallo Record Company, one of South Africa's largest record labels. His commercially successful songs included Tamatisous, which helped establish his popularity nationally, followed by Rabaki and Peace Magents, which further strengthened his reputation within the South African popular music industry.
Death
Spokes H died on 23 July 2013 in Vereeniging after being hospitalized due to illness. Reports indicated that he experienced health complications related to chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.[3]
Legacy
In 2018, the South African Music Awards posthumously honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contribution to the development of South African popular music.[4][5]
Discography
Albums
- Nnete E A Baba (1999)
- My African Groove
- On My Way Home
- Rafifi
- The Best of Spokes H
Selected songs
- Tamatisous
- Rabaki
- Peace Magents
- Mohla Ke Tsamayang
- Ba Ntebetse
Awards and honours
- 2018 – Lifetime Achievement Award, South African Music Awards (posthumous)
References
- ^ "Spokes H's award awakens bitter family feud". Sowetan. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ^ Writer, CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Staff (29 July 2013). "Spokes is gone but Rabaki remains". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 7 February 2026. - ^ Guardian, The (25 July 2013). "Spokes H succumbs to illness". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ^ "Spokes H's award awakens bitter family feud". Sowetan. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ^ "Sama Lifetime Achievers shine". The Herald. 22 May 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2026.