Melvyn Matthews passes away
The South African music industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran songwriter Melvyn Matthews, best known for co-writing Brenda Fassie’s timeless hit Weekend Special.
Matthews, affectionately known as “Mr Weekend Special,” reportedly passed away on Saturday at the age of 67 at his home in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape.
His death marks the loss of a creative force whose work helped shape the sound of South African pop music.
Beyond Weekend Special, Matthews also contributed to other songs for Fassie, including Life Is Going On, further cementing his place in the country’s musical history.
He was also a member of CC Beat, a group that later evolved into Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, adding to his wide-ranging impact in the industry.
Tributes have begun pouring in, with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture honouring his legacy in a heartfelt message shared on Sunday.
The department said, “It is with great sadness that I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Melvyn Matthews, affectionately known as ‘Mr Weekend Special’.”
In recent years, Matthews remained active in the creative space, serving as an adjudicator for the Mzansi Golden Economy cultural funding programme, where he continued to support emerging talent.
At the time of reporting, his family had not publicly confirmed the cause of death.
Details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements are also yet to be announced.