'You are now in a better place': Mshoza remembers Mandoza on his 39th birthday

Popular musician Mshoza has led the tributes to Mandoza on what would have been the kwaito legend's 39th birthday.

Mandoza, who died in September last year after battling cancer, would have celebrated his 39th birthday today.

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To celebrate his life and legacy, fans and friends took to social media to wish the star a happy birthday.

Happy Birthday buddy Mduduzi Mandoza Tshabalala, you would have beeb 39 today. You are… https://t.co/Yk4Z8Gxx7o

— Zola Hashatsi (@zola_hashatsi) January 17, 2017

Today its Mandoza the Nkalakatha's bday #HappyBirthdayMandoza#HappyBirthdayNkalakatha#HappyBdayMandoza#RIPMandoza

— Neziswa Tshazi (@NezMadikane) January 17, 2017

Happy birthday to the late legend Mandoza.

— Thapelo Maimela (@tp_thabz) January 17, 2017

One of the most heartfelt wishes came from Mandoza's friend Mshoza, who took to Instagram to post a picture of the star under the caption: "long live the legend".

A photo posted by McRain (@mshozabhoza1) on Jan 16, 2017 at 11:12pm PST

In her post, Mshoza opened up about the pain of Mandoza's death, but said she knew he was in a better place.

"God chose you first and even though it caused us great pain and we feel very sad for your departure, we know that you are now in a better place. We will celebrate your birthday and make a toast to bring back your best memories," Mshoza wrote.

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Speaking to TshisaLIVE shortly after Mandoza's death, Mshoza revealed that Mandoza was her closest friend in the industry and that the star had called her just days before his death to tell her he was "leaving her".

"I shouted at him because he called me and said: 'I'm leaving you something, my queen. I just put a verse on your song. I'm leaving you something big, I hope you use it wisely'. I shouted at him. I said: 'You're leaving? Where to?' I swore at him because I thought he was joking," Mshoza said.