Pathetic Facts

South African musicians died when they were 39

Here are 6 famous musicians from South Africa died at 39:

Riku Lätti

Riku Lätti (June 11, 1973-December 15, 2012) also known as Riku Latti was a South African singer, songwriter, writer and composer.

Born in Johannesburg, Lätti's interest in music started at a young age, and he eventually formed a band called "High Velocity" with his younger brother. He later attended the University of Pretoria where he studied literature and journalism while continuing to pursue his musical career.

Lätti released his debut album, "Loudmouth" in 1997 and followed it up with several other albums including "Soundtracks for the Apocalypse" and "Unlikely Hero". He was known for his unique blend of rock, folk and punk influences in his music.

Aside from music, Lätti was also a prolific writer and his works included poetry, short stories and novels. He often drew on his own experiences and struggles with addiction and mental health for inspiration in his writing.

In 2012, Lätti tragically passed away at the age of 39 due to complications related to alcoholism. He was remembered by his fans and peers as a passionate artist who had a significant impact on the South African music and literary scenes.

In addition to his music and writing careers, Riku Lätti was also a prominent activist for animal rights and environmental causes. He was a vegetarian and often used his music and platform to raise awareness about animal cruelty and the need for sustainability. Lätti was also an advocate for mental health awareness and openly discussed his personal struggles with addiction and depression in interviews and his writing. His honesty and vulnerability in addressing these issues helped to break down stigmas surrounding mental health in South Africa.In 2014, Lätti's unfinished novel, "The Sound of Galaxies Colliding", was published posthumously, showcasing his talent as a writer and leaving a lasting legacy for his fans. His contribution to South African art and culture continues to be celebrated today.

At the time of his death, Riku Lätti was also working on a number of other creative projects, including a film score and a stage play. He was widely regarded as a multi-talented artist who excelled in various mediums, and his passing was a great loss to the South African artistic community.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Lätti was also known for his warm personality and dedication to his fans. He was actively involved in the music and literary scenes in South Africa, and was always approachable and friendly to those who admired his work.

Today, Riku Lätti's music and writing continue to inspire fans around the world. His legacy is one of creativity, empathy, and a commitment to using his artistic platform for positive change.

Despite his untimely death, Riku Lätti's music and writing continue to gain recognition and accolades. In 2018, the South African Music Awards posthumously awarded Lätti with the Best Alternative Album Award for his album "Unlikely Hero". This recognition solidified Lätti's position as a significant and influential figure in South African music history. His impact on the country's creative landscape was further acknowledged in 2020 when he was posthumously inducted into the South African Music Hall of Fame.A memorial fund in honor of Riku Lätti was established after his death to support animal welfare and environmental causes. The fund is a testament to his dedication to making a positive impact on the world around him, both through his art and his activism.

Read more about Riku Lätti on Wikipedia »

Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie (November 3, 1964 Cape Town-May 9, 2004 Johannesburg) a.k.a. Fassie, Brenda, Brenda Frassie or Brenda was a South African singer.

Her albums include Abantu Bayakhuluma, Amadlozi, Compilation 2000, Greatest Hits, Mina Nawe, Mama, The Remix Collection, Nomakanjani?, and Malibongwe: The Gospel Collection. Genres she performed include Pop music and African popular music.

She died in drug overdose.

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Umanji

Umanji (April 5, 1968 Limpopo-February 26, 2008) was a South African singer-songwriter and musician.

Genres he performed include African popular music.

Ruben Kruger

Ruben Kruger (March 30, 1970 Vrede-January 27, 2010) was a South African personality.

Ruben Kruger was a former rugby union player who represented the South African national team, the Springboks, in 36 tests between 1993 and 1999. He played as a flanker and was known for his hard-hitting tackles and physical presence on the field. Kruger was an integral part of the Springboks team that won the Rugby World Cup in 1995, and he also played a key role in the team's victory over the British and Irish Lions in 1997. After retiring from rugby, Kruger worked as a rugby analyst and commentator for South African television. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009 and passed away in January 2010 at the age of 39.

Beyond his successful rugby career, Ruben Kruger was also known for his dedication to his community. He spent a significant amount of time giving back to underprivileged communities through various charitable organizations. Kruger was also known for his love for wildlife conservation and was a devoted advocate for environmental causes. In 1995, he was awarded the Laureus South African Sportsman of the Year award for his contribution to the sport of rugby in South Africa. Ruben Kruger left behind his wife, Mariska Kruger and their twin daughters, and his legacy as one of South Africa's most respected rugby players lives on.

Ruben Kruger was born on March 30, 1970, in Vrede, South Africa. He attended school in Pretoria, where he excelled in rugby, earning a scholarship to study at the University of Pretoria. Kruger's talent on the field was quickly recognized, and he was soon selected to play for the University's rugby team. In 1993, he was picked for the South African national team, the Springboks, and he quickly established himself as one of the team's star players.

Kruger's success on the rugby field was not limited to his time with the Springboks; he also played for various rugby clubs in South Africa and Europe, including the Cheetahs, the Blue Bulls, and the Northampton Saints. However, it was his achievements with the Springboks that earned him the most recognition. In addition to the Rugby World Cup victory in 1995 and the Lions victory in 1997, Kruger also helped the team win the Tri-Nations Championship in 1998.

Off the rugby field, Ruben Kruger was known for his humility, dedication, and passion for helping others. He was actively involved in a number of charitable initiatives, including the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which promotes social change through sports. Kruger was also passionate about wildlife conservation and worked tirelessly to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Despite his untimely death from a brain tumor in 2010, Ruben Kruger's impact both on and off the rugby field has not been forgotten. His legacy as a talented rugby player and a dedicated philanthropist continues to inspire people around the world.

Following his death, there was an outpouring of grief across South Africa, and tributes poured in from former teammates, fans, and members of the rugby community. In honor of his contributions to rugby and society, the South African Rugby Union posthumously awarded Kruger with Springbok colors, which are given to players who have represented South Africa at the highest level. Ruben Kruger's name also lives on through the Ruben Kruger Conservation and wildlife Foundation, which was established in his honor to continue his work in conservation and environmental awareness. Kruger is remembered as a dedicated athlete and selfless humanitarian who gave much to his community and country.

He died in brain tumor.

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Victor Stiebel

Victor Stiebel (April 5, 2015 Durban-April 5, 1976) also known as Victor Frank Stiebel was a South African fashion designer and author.

Stiebel was born to a German-Jewish family in Durban, South Africa in 1915. He began his career in fashion as a merchandiser for a department store in Johannesburg and later started his own fashion house in London in 1939. Stiebel became known for his elegant and feminine designs, often incorporating intricate embroidery and lace detailing into his pieces.

During World War II, Stiebel worked as a dressmaker for the Women's Voluntary Service, creating practical yet stylish clothing for women. After the war, he returned to his fashion house and continued to design for his celebrity clients, including Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, and Princess Margaret.

In addition to his fashion career, Stiebel was also a published author. He wrote a memoir titled "The World of Fashion: 1861-1976" which chronicles the history of fashion from the mid-19th century to the present day. He also published a book on antiques and interior design called "Victor Stiebel: Her Majesty's Designer" which showcases his expertise and passion for interior design.

Stiebel died on his 61st birthday in 1976. His legacy in the fashion industry endures, as his designs and contributions to the field continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today.

Stiebel's fashion designs were often described as both classic and contemporary. His signature looks included fitted jackets and coats, beautifully tailored dresses, and stunning evening gowns. In the 1950s, Stiebel embraced the New Look inspired by Christian Dior, creating glamorous and feminine pieces with nipped-in waistlines and full skirts. In the 1960s, he transitioned to more fitted and streamlined designs that reflected the mod influence of the era.

Stiebel's fashion house in London was a hub of creativity, attracting talented designers and seamstresses. His attention to quality and detail were apparent in all aspects of his work, from the fabrics he chose to the way his garments were constructed. Stiebel's designs were also known for their versatility, easily transitioning from daytime to evening wear, and embodying the modern spirit of the time.

Beyond his contributions to the world of fashion, Stiebel was also highly regarded as an authority on antiques and interior design. His book "Victor Stiebel: Her Majesty's Designer" offers a glimpse into his impeccable taste and flair for creating elegant and timeless spaces.

Stiebel's impact on the fashion industry was significant, earning him a place among the top designers of his time. His designs and contributions to the industry continue to influence fashion designers and enthusiasts today.

In addition to his work as a fashion designer, Victor Stiebel was also a pioneer in the use of celebrity endorsements. He recognized the power of using famous names to promote his brand, and he was among the first designers to dress Hollywood stars for red carpet events. In fact, Stiebel was the first designer to put Audrey Hepburn in a strapless cocktail gown, which became a signature look for the actress.

Stiebel's influence was not limited to the fashion industry. He was also a prominent figure in London society, and his circle of friends included some of the city's most notable figures, from authors to politicians to members of the royal family. Stiebel was known for his wit and charm, and he had a magnetic personality that drew people to him.

Despite his success, Stiebel remained humble and true to his roots. He maintained an admiration for South Africa throughout his life, and he often visited the country to reconnect with his heritage. Stiebel's passion for design and his commitment to quality continue to inspire designers around the world, making him a true icon of the fashion industry.

Throughout his career, Victor Stiebel was celebrated for his ability to create stylish and timeless designs that appealed to women of all ages. He was known for his attention to detail, with each piece carefully crafted using only the finest materials. His style was sophisticated and polished, yet playful and whimsical at the same time.

Stiebel's designs were featured in many popular fashion magazines, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. He also received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the title of Royal Designer for Industry, awarded to him by the Royal Society of Arts in 1962.

In addition to his fashion and design work, Stiebel was also involved in charitable causes, particularly those related to the arts. He was a longtime supporter of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the English National Opera, among other institutions.

Despite his success in London, Stiebel never forgot his roots in South Africa. He remained proud of his heritage throughout his life and often spoke fondly of his childhood in Durban. He also made a point to visit South Africa whenever he could, and he continued to draw inspiration from the country's natural beauty and vibrant culture.

Today, Victor Stiebel is remembered as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. His contributions to the world of fashion and design continue to inspire new generations of designers and creatives, and his legacy lives on through his iconic designs and his ongoing impact on the industry.

Read more about Victor Stiebel on Wikipedia »

Irene Grootboom

Irene Grootboom (April 5, 1969 South Africa-July 1, 2008 Wallacedene) was a South African personality.

She was a well-known activist and a member of the Anti-Eviction Campaign. Grootboom made headlines in 2001 when she brought a case against the South African government for failing to provide suitable housing for her and her family. The case, which became known as the Grootboom case, went all the way to the Constitutional Court of South Africa and resulted in a landmark ruling that established the right to adequate housing as a constitutional right in South Africa. Grootboom continued to be an outspoken advocate for the rights of the poor and disadvantaged until her death in 2008.

She grew up in the informal settlement of Mau-Mau, where she experienced firsthand the struggle of living in poverty without access to basic amenities such as adequate housing, sanitation, and education. As a young woman, Grootboom became involved in community organizing and worked to improve living conditions for those living in informal settlements. Her activism led her to become a key figure in the Anti-Eviction Campaign and she was a vocal critic of government policies that failed to address the needs of the country's poorest citizens. Grootboom's legacy continues to inspire activists across South Africa who work tirelessly to address the country's social and economic inequalities.

In addition to her work as an activist, Irene Grootboom was also a devoted mother of six children. She struggled to provide for her family on a meagre income and often had to rely on the generosity of others to make ends meet. Despite her own difficult circumstances, Grootboom remained committed to fighting for the rights of others and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about issues of poverty and inequality in South Africa. Her tireless efforts earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Reebok Human Rights Award in 2002. Although she passed away at a young age, Grootboom's impact on South African society continues to be felt to this day. Her courage, determination, and commitment to social justice have inspired countless individuals to dedicate their lives to the fight for a more equitable and just world.

Irene Grootboom's legacy continues to inspire not only activists in South Africa but also human rights advocates around the world. The Grootboom case has been cited as a landmark ruling that set a strong precedent for the protection of human rights, especially with regards to the right to adequate housing. Grootboom has become a symbol of resistance against systemic poverty and inequality, proving that ordinary people can create significant change in their communities. Her story has been featured in numerous documentaries, articles, and books, which have helped to raise awareness about the struggles of the poor and the marginalized. Grootboom's courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice will always be remembered as an inspiration to future generations of activists and human rights defenders.

Read more about Irene Grootboom on Wikipedia »