Emtee Reflects On Loss Of Former Manager In Emotional Post Honouring “Roll Up” Era

Emtee Reflects On Loss Of Former Manager In Emotional Post Honouring “Roll Up” Era. Award-winning South African rapper Emtee has once again reminded fans of the deeply personal journey behind his rise to fame.

In a recent social media post, the Manando hitmaker paid tribute to his late former manager, Lebo, sharing a nostalgic still from the iconic “Roll Up” music video shoot—an image that took fans back to the moment his career skyrocketed.

The picture shows a young, wide-eyed Emtee during the early days of his breakthrough, standing beside Lebo the man who helped steer his career during its most formative years, and other friends during the video shoot of his breakaway hit “Roll Up.” Captioning the image with the heartfelt words, “Lost my nigga so I’m by myself,” the rapper gave a vulnerable glimpse into the pain of losing a friend, mentor, and guiding hand.

Lebo, whose full name was Lebohang Maswanganyi, passed away in April 2021—a loss that deeply affected Emtee and those who witnessed the pair’s journey from the underground to stardom. As Emtee continues to navigate the evolving landscape of South African hip hop, it’s moments like this that reveal the emotional weight carried behind the scenes.

“Roll Up,” released in 2015, marked Emtee’s explosive entry into the mainstream, eventually earning him Song of the Year at the South African Hip Hop Awards. But behind the scenes, it was Lebo who was instrumental in shaping the vision, grinding behind the curtains to ensure Emtee’s voice was heard.

Fans flooded the comment section with love and support, with many reminiscing about how the track defined an era. Others sent condolences and words of encouragement, acknowledging the solitude that often shadows success.