Grant Shakoane: SA mourns death of ‘The Gentle Giant’

SA radio has lost one of its finest pioneers in Grant Shakoane.

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grant shakoane

South Africa’s broadcasting industry is reeling from the loss of Grant Shakoane, a radio veteran who soothed the airwaves with his fine selection of R&B and Soul music for decades.

Grant Shakoane dies: What’s the cause of death?

The gut-wrenching news surfaced on social media, on Thursday, where it was revealed that the ‘Gentle Giant’ was no longer with us.

At this time, it is still not known what the cause of Shakoane’s death is. This, and other relevant information should surface once the family has gathered enough strength to confront the public.

Last week, fellow radio broadcaster Tim Modise had indicated that Shakoane was battling for his life in a Johannesburg hospital.

“Our friend and big brother, the radio ‘gentle giant’ Grant Shakoane is in a serious condition at one of the hospitals in Joburg. His wife informs me that he’s been in this battle for a while. Join me in praying for his recovery. We love you,” he wrote.

Shortly after the news of Shakoane’s passing was confirmed, on Thursday, Modise penned this tribute on social media:

SA radio pays tribute to the Gentle Giant

Not much is known about Shakoane in this generation. However, in the 1980s, the man was revered for his Soul Sunday radio shows on MetroFM.

Shakoane set the blueprint for radio and it is due to his work that today, we revere Soul music connoisseurs like Wilson B Nkosi. The Gentle Giant started out as a translator for the SABC-owned radio station and worked his way to the booth, where he commanded his position for more than three decades.

He is survived by his wife Albertina Shakoane. At this time, we were unable to confirm if Shakoane had children.

Here are some of the tributes that have poured in from social media: