Mzwakhe Mbuli’s keyboard player Promise Dlamini has died. Dlamini succumbed to TB on Monday morning at Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.

Born in Mofolo Village, Soweto, in 1972, Dlamini has been described as one of the finest keyboard players by his friends.

Having worked with Mbuli for many years, Dlamini last performed on January 18 at Huntersfield Stadium, Katlehong, with Mbuli.

Mbuli told Sowetan that Dlamini has been sick for some time. However, a few weeks ago his health took a turn for the worst. “We performed at Mapungubwe Festival and also played in East London together. However, he became sick on the plane on our way back to Joburg. I took him to hospital where they gave him medication.

“What I liked about Promise was that he was very loyal to me. When I went to jail, he waited for me until I came back. He was there at my first performance in Bassline.”

Dlamini was discovered by the late West Nkosi, who introduced him to Mbuli. He has played with the Soul Brothers and Themba Ngwenya.

He is survived by his seven-year-old son and parents.

Dlamini will be buried on Saturday at the Avalon Cemetery. The service starts at home at 11am and the cortege leaves for the cemetery at 1pm.