Dj Khabzela was a South African radio deejay and house music producer who rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was known for his energetic and soulful mixes that blended local and international sounds. He died of AIDS on 12th January 2004 at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy of music that still inspires many today.

One of his most popular songs was Mekonko, a catchy and upbeat track that featured vocals by Sis Jones. The song was released on his album Mekonko vol. 1 in 2002, which also included other hits such as Fly Away, Vuka and Mbuso’s Revenge. The album was a commercial and critical success, earning him several awards and nominations.

Mekonko is a Zulu word that means “something big” or “something powerful”. The song celebrates the joy of life and music, and encourages people to dance and have fun. The song has a catchy chorus that goes: “Mekonko, mekonko, mekonko / Mekonko, mekonko, mekonko / Mekonko, mekonko, mekonko / Mekonko, mekonko, mekonko”.

The song has been remixed and sampled by many other artists over the years, such as Tokzen Records, DJ Fresh and DJ Sbu. It has also been featured on several compilations and playlists of South African house music. The song remains a classic and a tribute to Dj Khabzela’s talent and legacy.

Dj Khabzela was born Fana Khaba on 12th September 1968 in Soweto. He grew up in poverty and had to work as a cleaner and a taxi driver before he became a radio deejay. He joined Yfm in 1999 and quickly gained popularity with his weekend show The Jam Shack, which featured his signature house mixes and lively personality. He also hosted the breakfast show and released several albums under his own label, Khabzela Music. He was one of the most influential and respected deejays in South Africa, winning awards and accolades from fans and peers alike.

However, his life took a tragic turn when he contracted HIV in 2001. He announced his status on air in April 2003, hoping to raise awareness and fight stigma. He initially took antiretroviral drugs but later stopped them due to side effects and pressure from alternative healers who claimed they could cure him. He also refused to disclose his status to his family and friends, isolating himself from their support. He suffered from various opportunistic infections and complications, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and meningitis. He died on 12th January 2004 at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, surrounded by his colleagues from Yfm.

His death sparked a national debate about the AIDS crisis and the government’s response to it. His biography, Khabzela: The Life And Times Of A South African by Liz McGregor, was published in 2005 and became a bestseller. It chronicled his rise to fame and his struggle with the disease, as well as the social and political context of the AIDS epidemic in South Africa. The book also included his medical records, which showed the extent of his suffering and the failure of the health system to provide adequate care for him.

Dj Khabzela’s legacy lives on through his music, which is still played and enjoyed by many today. His songs such as Mekonko, Fly Away and Vuka are considered classics of South African house music. His story also serves as a reminder of the need for prevention, testing, treatment and education about HIV/AIDS. He is remembered as a talented and charismatic deejay who touched many lives with his music and his message.