The music industry was shocked when word broke that businessman and PR guru Pheko Kgengoe (35) had died. The hashtag #RIPPheko has been trending for most of Tuesday following the sad news of Pheko’s passing. He allegedly died due to Covid-19 complications.
Pheko was one of South Africa’s most loved and celebrated behind the scenes personnel. He contributed a lot within the South African music & Entertainment industry. He did a lot for some of Mzansi celebrities’ lives to help them reach the level of success and progress they have. He was a creative industries consultancy specialising in music PR and various record label services.
The Soweto-born businessman, notably started his career in 2011 as a publicist for Universal Music. He was known in the music industry for always having a big smile and giving warm hugs. He later joined Sony Music SA as a publicist before following his dreams and opening his own company. That was where he made a name for himself running a label, sampling music for artists and hosting events.
After leaving Sony, Pheko started his company 4TheLoveZA in 2018 – a creative industries consultancy that focuses on music PR and various record label services. The first artist he signed was Terrence McKay, who said Pheko was not only a record label executive, but he was also a friend and a brother.
He worked with award-winning stars including Kwesta, AKA, Makwa, Samthing Soweto and Terrence McKay. Pheko touched the souls of many in the industry and helped kick-start the careers of musicians. He was known as a family man who was dedicated to his wife, son and mother.
The life of Pheko Kgengoe, 35, has been celebrated by many in the entertainment industry as the public relations (PR) guru in music passed away earlier this week.
A man who has been remembered as someone who made each and everyone around him feel special, taking the time to craft every artist so that they could reach their full potential. We as the Kas’lam Magazine team always had lovely encounters and interactions with the man himself. We would like to extend our condolences to his family and friends, he truly will be missed.
South African entertainers have taken to social media to send pay their last respects to Pheko since the news of his passing broke. Celebrities and those who worked closely with Pheko took to Twitter to mourn his death.
