What Happened to Pitch Black Afro? Where is Pitch Black Afro Now?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Aug 24, 2023
Who is Pitch Black Afro?
Pitch Black Afro, whose real name is Thulani Ngcobo, is a South African Kwaito/Hip-hop MC hailing from Soweto. His journey into rapping began as a means to overcome his stutter, and he's often recognized for his distinctive Afro wig. His musical style draws inspiration from American MCs like Redman, blending English, Zulu, and the colloquial language mix known as tsotsitaal.
Pitch Black Afro gained prominence on the club scene, frequently performing alongside "The Native Huts Allstars." He was eventually discovered by DJ Cleo during his appearances on YFM radio's "Rap Activity Jams." Under Cleo's production, he released his debut album "Styling Gel" in 2004. The album, featuring hits like "Pitch Black Afro," "Matofotofo," and "A Day in my Life," sold 50,000 copies in South Africa, marking a milestone as the highest-selling African Hip Hop album at that time.
In 2006, Pitch Black Afro faced allegations of assaulting a fan and causing property damage in a Johannesburg mall. However, a significant turn occurred in 2019 when he was arrested on charges of allegedly murdering his wife on New Year's Eve in 2018. The charges included premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Subsequently, Pitch Black Afro was sentenced to 5 years in prison for his wife's murder. This legal outcome marked a stark contrast to his earlier musical successes and public presence. The transformation from a rising star in the South African music scene to a convicted individual facing legal consequences showcases the complexity and shifts in his life's trajectory.
What Happened to Pitch Black Afro?
Pitch Black Afro, whose real name is Thulani Ngcobo, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2020 for culpable homicide in the death of his fiancée, Catherine Modisane. He has now been released from prison after serving a portion of his sentence. Ngcobo's release was confirmed by the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, who stated that his sentence had expired and he benefited from special remission.
Ngcobo's legal journey began when he was initially charged with murder, later amended to culpable homicide, for Modisane's death due to blunt force head trauma. In June 2020, he was sentenced to a 10-year prison term, with five years effectively served after accounting for his time in custody during the trial.
Judge J Du Plessis, during the trial, noted Ngcobo's lack of remorse and his denial of certain details surrounding the incident, despite offering an apology to the family. The judge considered Ngcobo's contribution to the funeral and his maintained relationship with Modisane's family.
Ngcobo's lawyer argued that Modisane had initiated an argument by accusing him of infidelity and had physically confronted him. The judge, however, did not find evidence of an abusive relationship and characterized the incident leading to Modisane's death as a one-time occurrence.
Where is Pitch Black Afro Now?
As of now, Pitch Black Afro, whose real name is Thulani Ngcobo, has been released from jail after serving a portion of his sentence for culpable homicide. The Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed that Ngcobo was released on August 18, 2023, as his sentence had reached its expiration and he had benefited from special remission.
Ngcobo had been serving a 10-year sentence, with five years suspended, for the death of his fiancée. He was found guilty of culpable homicide by Judge J Du Plessis in 2020. This judgment followed his initial arrest on charges of premeditated murder and obstructing justice.
After serving less than three years in prison, which included the time he spent in custody while awaiting trial, Ngcobo's sentence ended, and he regained his freedom. The circumstances surrounding his fiancée's death were characterized as a result of negligence rather than intentional harm, with Ngcobo being found to lack genuine remorse despite apologizing to the deceased's family.
Pitch Black Afro, or Thulani Ngcobo, is currently out of jail after completing his sentence for culpable homicide. His release was facilitated by the expiration of his sentence and special remission. The incident that led to his conviction was deemed a consequence of negligence, and his release marks the conclusion of his time served behind bars.
What Happened to Pitch Black Afro:FAQs
Pitch Black Afro is the stage name of Thulani Ngcobo, a South African Kwaito/Hip-hop MC from Soweto. He gained popularity for his unique rapping style and Afro wig.
Pitch Black Afro turned to rapping as a way to manage his stutter, finding success in expressing himself through music.
He raps in English, Zulu, and tsotsitaal, a mix of colloquial languages, drawing influence from American MCs like Redman.
His debut album, "Styling Gel," was produced by DJ Cleo and released in 2004. It became a huge success, selling 50,000 copies in South Africa and containing hit singles like "Pitch Black Afro," "Matofotofo," and "A Day in my Life."