'A comedic genius and my right-hand man' — Mandla N pays tribute to the late Oscar ‘Madluphuthu' Mgudlwa
Oscar was actively involved in most Black Brain Pictures productions such as Blackdoor, Mabaso Family Reunion, Isitha-The Enemy, to name a few.
Among those who paid tribute to him was Black Brain Pictures executive Mandla N, who worked closely with Oscar over the years and shared a deep creative bond with the late star.
In a moving message, Mandla described Oscar as more than just a collaborator, calling him a 'comedic genius' and a 'relentless soldier in the arts'.
'On behalf of the entire Black Brain family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of a true creative force — a comedic genius, a relentless soldier in the arts. He was more than just a collaborator; he was family,' Mandla said.
'We had the privilege of working with him time and time again, and every moment was filled with brilliance, laughter, and authenticity.'
Oscar rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his unique brand of humour and unforgettable on-screen presence, earning cult status through his Madluphuthu films which resonated deeply with township audiences.
Mandla spoke of Oscar's rare ability to tell kasi stories with heart, humour and truth, an invaluable asset to the creative process at Black Brain.
'Personally, I've lost my right-hand man, especially when it came to Kasi stories and understanding how to connect truthfully to that market. He had a rare understanding of that world and his insights shaped a lot of what we created together.'
He ended his tribute with a message of gratitude: 'Rest in peace, my brother. Thank you for everything.'
Oscar's legacy as a storyteller and cultural voice lives on in the many characters he brought to life and the laughter he left behind.
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