ProKid’s family is heartbroken: It's horrible, they are devastated

Close friend and rapper Gigi Lamayne has described the devastation amongst hip-hop artist ProKid's family as "horrible," saying they were trying stay strong for each other. 

ProKid's death was confirmed by his family during the early hours of Thursday morning. In a statement the family said he had suffered a "severe seizure". 

"The legendary SA hip-hop artist affectionately known as ProKid passed away on Wednesday. He suffered a severe seizure attack while visiting friends and paramedics were called in to assist. They did their best to revive him to no avail and called his time of death at 8.38pm," read part of the statement.

Gigi, who is dating ProKid's brother, Sandile Nkululeko Mkhize aka DJ Citi lyts, and was with him when the family rushed to his mother's home in the hours after ProKid's death, told TshisaLIVE that the mood was heavy. 

"I was with his brother and when we got to the house it was so somber. It was melancholy. The weather was so bad. We have to be strong for the family. I want to break down and cry but can you imagine what his brother is going through? His mom and dad? His wife and child? His brother is broken."

Gigi said ProKid's wife, Ayanda was completely shattered by his death, while his mom Fikile was staying strong for those around her.

"I was talking to the mother of his daughter and she was so sad. He had so much to offer. It is horrible.  I don't have the words to describe how horrible it is. She is devastated, they all are. His daughter is only three and she's running around the house, she doesn't understand what is going on.

"It is a trying time for everyone. We were out at the parents home and I was amazed at how strong his mother is doing. She is holding up for everyone. She is so hopeful. They just want people to reflect on his life and music. That is the biggest honour they can pay to his legacy and his family."

Although media have been prevented from visiting the family, Gigi said the mood at the house turned into a celebration of the star's life as A-listers, neighbours and celebs flocked to the home.

"He has such a strong family. Last night everyone got to bed so late because we were listening to his songs and remembering him. It is shocking, so sad. We are all so worried about the funeral and if we will find a place big enough to fit everyone because there were so many A-listers, neighbours and celebs who came past to visit the family and pay their respects. He was Soweto's number one boy and I think the funeral will be a massive event."

Gigi said there should be a statue in honour of him erected in Soweto because of the impact he had on the area and the people around him. This despite constantly being let down by the industry.

"He got disappointed but never angry, and everyone knows he had such a difficult time in the industry with labels and management taking advantage of him but he just got back up," she added.

Gigi said she owed her whole career to ProKid and would always cherish how he promised to look after her. 

"ProKid was responsible for me breaking into the industry. He got my first single on radio and took me under his wing for three/ four years. He told my parents that I would be okay and that he would be protect me. He protected me. He had his own battles with the industry but tried to look after me, to shield me from it."