Mango Groove band member succumbs to diabetes

By  | Jun 22, 2020, 01:48 PM  | Mango Groove  | Drama

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Molefe Maboti Jonas Petlane of legendary Afro-pop group Mango Groove passed away this week.

Also known as Kelly Petlane, the time-honoured sax and penny whistle player for the group died in the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital during the late afternoon of Monday, 9 June 2014.06.11

Speaking to The Mercury, Mango Groove founding member and bass guitar player, John Leyden, explained that 64-year-old Kelly had been struggling with complications from diabetes.

"I was with him yesterday (Monday) afternoon at Bara hospital," said Leyden.

"He did not look that well. He was diabetic and has been battling kidney failure. We got the sad news later that he had passed away at 5.45pm."

Leyden, who formed Mango Groove with two friends in 1984, also praised Kelly for being "A wonderful friend and beautiful flute player".

Vocalist Claire Johnston, who joined the band soon after its formation, during her final year as an undergraduate student, has expressed her sadness about the passing of Petlane, who has been a member of the band since the 90s.

She tweeted: "R.I.P Bra Kelly Petlane, friend and colleague. We will miss you. Love and strength to your family. Siya dabuka (we are saddened)."

Kelly Petlane is survived by his wife Lizzy.

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