WATCH: Kevin Ntaopane relives Mandoza’s final moments as he died in his arms

The entire nation has been mourning the loss of music icon Mandoza, who lost the battle against cancer on Sunday afternoon.

Those close to him have been left shattered expressing disbelief.

Mandoza’s close friend and manager Kevin Ntaopane has opened up about the musician’s final moments as he died in his arms.

Speaking to TMG Entertainment outside Mandoza’s family home in Pimville, Soweto a visibly shaken Kevin said that watching his friend die, will remain in his mind forever.

I’ve never experienced something like that in my life. Him dying and looking at him, every time I when I speak about him that comes back," said Kevin.

Kevin explained that Mandoza told him to be strong and to stop mourning.

"He had a way of handling pressure and a sense of humour and that’s why I’m so calm today, I have to be strong for the family."

As Kevin fought back tears, he remembered Mandoza’s final message to him. “Be careful of fake friends Kev.”

Kevin added that Mandoza will be with him forever and for the rest of his life.

• Public memorial to honour the life of Kwaito star Mandoza A public memorial service will be held on Wednesday in honour of Kwaito legend Mandoza, who died on Sunday afternoon.  

"You will always be in my arms. There was a lot that you were supposed to do and South Africa was expecting a lot from you. Your untimely death just came and robbed me off you, but I don’t want to cry, I want to celebrate every moment I had with you."