Musician Koyo Bala has died after losing his battle with cancer.
The 3Sum band member passed away on Monday morning at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, according to a Sowetan Live report.
The 37-year-old spoke about his fight with cancer during a candid interview in June 2015, declaring that he would remain defiant against the odds.
Two years earlier he had been diagnosed with rectal cancer, but revealed in the interview that while he had overcome that battle, the cancer had spread to his bladder.
"I was told I must take six months off my schedule to get better. It is going to be a difficult few months, but I know I can beat this cancer," he told the Daily Sun in 2015.
But sadly Koyo's fight has ended. Devastated friends told the Sowetan that he always remained positive despite his diagnosis.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late star on social media.
What a sad MONDAY.... Rest In Peace koyo_bala πππΎ https://t.co/1wQmg7YXtp
— The Real Goboza (@OfficialRGB) March 7, 2016
Goodbye dear friend Koyo Bala. Oh the fun times we had when we were all young and free, kwaito was fresh on the radio and smiles were true
— craigbjacobs InstaGr (@craigbjacobs) March 7, 2016
Death be not proud,u will be missed tsalaπππ RIP Koyo Bala πππ pic.twitter.com/TtKNBPe2uB
— Lahakwe la hao (@soniamotaung) March 7, 2016
RIP Koyo Bala π pic.twitter.com/YfCcPHN1ZR
— #YouDontKnowMeYet (@BontleModiselle) March 7, 2016
RIP #KoyoBala,i am not a fan but i remember reading this guy article and he was so determined to fight cancer.
— CROWNED HEAD (@LennoxMaluleka) March 7, 2016
RIP Koyo Bala you're in a better place now love
— Hlengiwe Goqo (@HlengiweGoqo) March 7, 2016
OMG Koyo Bala??? Nooooooo I'm so sadπππππ
— Lady Lee (@missleem) March 7, 2016