The South African music community is grieving the loss of veteran songwriter Melvyn Matthews, renowned for co-writing Brenda Fassie’s classic track Weekend Special.
Matthews, widely recognized as “Mr Weekend Special,” is reported to have died on Saturday at the age of 67 at his residence in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape.
His passing signifies the loss of a key figure whose contributions significantly influenced South African pop music.
In addition to Weekend Special, Matthews also wrote for Fassie on tracks like Life Is Going On, solidifying his role in the nation’s musical heritage.
He was part of CC Beat, a group that later transitioned into Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, demonstrating his broad influence within the industry.
Messages of condolence have started to emerge, with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture honoring his contributions through a heartfelt statement released on Sunday.
The department expressed, “It is with great sadness that I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Melvyn Matthews, affectionately known as ‘Mr Weekend Special’.”
In the years leading up to his passing, Matthews remained active in the creative field, serving as a judge for the Mzansi Golden Economy cultural funding initiative, where he continued to nurture upcoming talent.
As of this report, the family has not publicly disclosed the cause of death.
Further information regarding memorial and funeral arrangements has yet to be shared.
