*Trigger warning: death, fatal shooting and gun violence*
In the early hours of Sunday morning, Oupa John Sefoka, better known as DJ Sumbody, was involved in a fatal drive by shooting. It was confirmed that the Amapiano pioneer and his alleged bodyguard Sbu were shot, with paramedics pronouncing them dead on the scene. A third passenger who is identified as his manager Shawn Myeza was fatally wounded and was rushed to hospital upon discovery that he had suffered two bullet wounds to the head.
Sefoka’s production company, Sumsounds Music, confirmed the music producer’s death in a statement, announcing that he was involved in an “unfortunate incident”.
The statement read: “Artist and musician DJ Sumbody has died. Details of his untimely death cannot be released, but the artist named Oupa John Sefoka allegedly ran into an unfortunate incident that led to his passing in the early hours of Sunday morning, 20 November.” The statement adds that the Sefoka family “have kindly requested privacy” as “investigations are still ongoing”.
Following news of his death, South African fans and industry colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to Sefoka. Described as a hardworking trailblazer with a big heart, DJ Sumbody was applauded for his many accomplishments. From being a hit-maker to an incredibly successful club franchise owner, fans and loved ones emphasised how he opened doors for his employees, industry peers and close friends.
Here are a few tributes dedicated to DJ Sumbody:
Batho ba slege jo! Ai Mara bafethu this can’t be it.
— Don Billiato (@casspernyovest) November 20, 2022
Channel O and Mzansi Magic Music family is devastated by the tragic passing of amapiano pioneer Oupa John Sefoka popularly known as DJ Sumbody.
Our prayers and deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace brother. 🎶🎹🎶 pic.twitter.com/hFkfjgTvjW
— Channel O (@ChannelOTV) November 20, 2022
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Terrible terrible TERRIBLE news. What a huge loss for the game 💔 … what a genuine, hard working, humble man. RIP OUPA 🙏🏽
— AKA (@akaworldwide) November 20, 2022
Such horrible news🤯
RIP Oupa,Mfana’Pitori.— Black Coffee (@RealBlackCoffee) November 20, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. RIP Oupa John Sefoka #Djsumbody 💔 #MonateMpolaye You ran your race Ntwanas, see you on the flip side 🎧 🥂 pic.twitter.com/yU1TAPR2oO
— KeepHopeAlive (@OskidoIBelieve) November 20, 2022
What a year 💔. Now Dj Sumbody. What a lovely gentle giant. Condolences to his loved ones. This is not right. #DjSumbody
— Nandi Madida (@Nandi_Madida) November 20, 2022
Always kept it 💯 RIP DJ SUMBODY
— Da L.E.S (@2freshLES) November 20, 2022
We have lost so many artists this year. #RIPDJSUMBODY @djsumbody 😞 https://t.co/FDlZzxfwNy
— #POVXGIGI (@Gigi_Lamayne) November 20, 2022
Sad to hear about DJ Sumbody’s passing. May God be with his family, friends and supporters during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/SAYJvfNJ7C
— Brother Bear 🐻 (@Blaklez) November 20, 2022
Sad to hear about DJ Sumbody’s passing. May God be with his family, friends and supporters during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/SAYJvfNJ7C
— Brother Bear 🐻 (@Blaklez) November 20, 2022
RIP to a good brother #DjSumbody. Tragic. It makes no sense 💔. Condolences and prayers to everyone involved 🙏🏾
— K.O (@MrCashtime) November 20, 2022
On behalf of the City of Tshwane, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Oupa Sefoka known professionally as DJ Sumbody aka Mayor wa Pitori. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPDJSumbody pic.twitter.com/RwA9YXUk62
— Mayor Randall Williams (@tshwane_mayor) November 20, 2022
Lord please receive this gentle soul. Here’s my Brother #Djsumbody leaving us heartbroken 💔 pic.twitter.com/yvB56IFG3t
— Tbo Touch (@iamtbotouch) November 21, 2022