Kwaito star Brown Dash has died – exactly eight years to the day that superstar Brenda Fassie passed away.

Brown Dash, whose real name was Siphiwe Mpamile, had been suffering from an unknown illness.

In 2010 he was hospitalised after complaining of chest pains and breathing problems.

An insider confirmed to The Star on Wednesday night that Brown Dash, who hit the limelight with his hit song Phants’ komthunzi welanga, had died.

He was last seen in public last Monday when he performed at the SA Music Awards ceremony at Sun City.

Social networks were abuzz after the news broke.

TV personality Bonang Matheba tweeted: “We say goodbye to another soldier, Sphiwe ‘Brown Dash’ Mpamile. RIP, good guy.

Big Nuz, meanwhile, posted: “RIP Brown Dash.”

“It was first MaaBrrr who passed on May 9, now it’s Brown Dash. I guess sis b wanted another sta 2 collaborate with. May his soul rest in peace (sic),” tweeted DJ Fefe Dre.

Khaya Dlanga wrote: “RIP Brown Dash. Phumla phants’-komthunzi welanga (sic),” while DJ Fresh posted “:-( @TSRecordsSA: Rest In Peace Sphiwe ‘Brown Das’ Mpamile #Gone TooSoon (sic)”.

Julius S Malema, however, was unconvinced, tweeting: “Take the news of the passing of ‘Brown Dash’ with a pinch of salt. It may be mischievous rumours.” – The Star