Who Was Mthobeli August ‘KCI’? Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Death Cause & More
Mthobeli August (born in 1976 – died December 2023, Aged: 47 years old), better known by his stage name KCI, was a popular and controversial radio personality from South Africa. He was best known for hosting the drivetime show on Umhlobo Wenene FM, a national Xhosa-language radio station, from 2009 to 2016.
He was also a singer, songwriter, and MC, who performed at various events, including weddings and birthday parties. He died on December 29, 2023, at the age of 47, after a long battle with cancer.
Early Life and Background
Mthobeli August was born in 1976 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. He grew up in a musical family, as his father was a guitarist and his mother was a singer. He developed a passion for music and radio from a young age and started singing in church choirs and school bands. He also participated in talent shows and competitions, where he showcased his vocal and rap skills.
Mthobeli August Wiki/Bio
| Name | Mthobeli August ‘KCI’ |
| Date of Birth | 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Date of Death | December 29, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Netcare Greenacres Hospital, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Cause of Death | Colon cancer |
| Occupation | Radio presenter, singer, songwriter, MC |
| Years Active | 1998-2023 |
| Spouse | Noluthando August (divorced) |
| Fiancée | Nolwazi Ngwenya |
| Children | Three |
| Brother | Sipho August |
| Ethnicity | Xhosa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Religion | Christian |
| Education | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
| Awards | South African Music Awards, Metro FM Music Awards, South African Traditional Music Awards (nominations) |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around R5 million (may not be accurate) |
| mthobeliaugust | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Professional Career
He studied journalism at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and joined Umhlobo Wenene FM as a news reader in 1998. He later became a producer and a presenter and worked on various shows, such as Ezanamuhla, Ezolimo, and Sijik’ilanga. He gained popularity and recognition for his charismatic and humorous style, as well as his ability to connect with listeners and address social issues.
In 2009, he was appointed as the host of the drivetime show, which was one of the most listened-to shows on the station, with over four million listeners. He co-hosted the show with Luyanda Gidane, and they became known as the “Kings of the Drive”. The show featured music, entertainment, news, sports, and interviews with celebrities and public figures. KCI also introduced segments such as “KCI’s Confessions”, where he would share his personal stories and experiences, and “KCI’s Love Zone”, where he would give relationship advice and play romantic songs.
KCI was also a successful singer and songwriter, who released several albums and singles, such as “Ndiyakuthanda”, “Ndiyakubulela”, and “Ndiyakuthembisa”. He collaborated with other artists, such as Ringo Madlingozi, Moneoa, and Ntando. He also performed at various festivals and events, such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the Macufe Festival, and the Buyel’Ekhaya Festival. He was nominated for several awards, such as the South African Music Awards, the Metro FM Music Awards, and the South African Traditional Music Awards.
Height & Weight
| Height (approx.) | In Feet Inches: 5′ 8″. In Meters: 1.72 m. In Centimetres: 172 cm. |
| Weight (approx.) | In Kilograms: 65 kg. In Pounds: 143 lbs. |
| Hair Color | Black. |
| Eye Color | Black |
Controversies and Challenges
KCI was not without controversies and challenges, as he faced several accusations and allegations throughout his career. He was fired from Umhlobo Wenene FM in 2016 after he allegedly assaulted a female colleague at the station. He denied the charges and claimed that he was a victim of a conspiracy and a smear campaign. He also said that he was suffering from depression and anxiety and that he had been receiving death threats.
He was also involved in a legal dispute with a bride, who accused him of failing to show up and MC at her wedding in East London after she had paid him R12 000 and booked his flights and accommodation. KCI admitted that he had double-booked himself and that he had attended another event on the same day. He apologized to the bride and said that he was willing to pay back the money and compensate her for the inconvenience.
He also faced criticism and backlash from some of his fans and followers, who accused him of being arrogant, rude, and disrespectful. Some of them also questioned his credibility and integrity and claimed that he was lying about his personal life and his achievements. KCI defended himself and said that he was misunderstood and misjudged. He also said that he was grateful for his supporters and that he was happy with his life.
Net Worth and Income Sources
According to some sources, KCI’s net worth was estimated to be around R5 million. However, this figure may not be accurate, as KCI faced several financial challenges and disputes throughout his career. He was fired from Umhlobo Wenene FM in 2016 after he allegedly assaulted a female colleague at the station.
He also had a legal dispute with a bride, who accused him of failing to show up and MC at her wedding in East London, after she had paid him R12 000 and booked his flights and accommodation. He also claimed that he was not paid for two months by the station and that he was suffering from depression and anxiety. He also had to pay for his medical expenses, as he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019, and had undergone several surgeries and chemotherapy sessions.
Wife, Relationships, and Kids
Mthobeli August ‘KCI’ was married to Noluthando August, with whom he had three children. However, their marriage ended in divorce, and KCI became single for a while. He later found love again and got engaged to Nolwazi Ngwenya, whom he had proposed to in 2020. He had planned to marry her in 2024 and had already paid lobola for her. He also had a brother, Sipho August, who was also a radio presenter.
KCI was known for his charismatic and humorous personality, as well as his ability to connect with listeners and address social issues. He also introduced segments such as “KCI’s Confessions”, where he would share his personal stories and experiences, and “KCI’s Love Zone”, where he would give relationship advice and play romantic songs.
However, he was also involved in several controversies and scandals, such as being accused of assaulting a female colleague, failing to show up at a wedding he was booked for, and lying about his personal life and achievements. He also faced criticism and backlash from some of his fans and followers, who accused him of being arrogant, rude, and disrespectful.
Nationality, Ethnicity and Religion
Mthobeli August ‘KCI’ was a South African national, who was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. He belonged to the Xhosa ethnic group and spoke Xhosa as his mother tongue. He also spoke English and other languages, such as Zulu and Sotho. He was proud of his culture and heritage, and often expressed it through his music and radio shows. He also embraced other cultures and languages and was open to learning and interacting with different people.
He was a Christian and grew up singing in church choirs and school bands. He also participated in talent shows and competitions, where he showcased his vocal and rap skills. He studied journalism at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and joined Umhlobo Wenene FM as a news reader in 1998.
Parents and Siblings
Mthobeli August ‘KCI’ was born in 1976 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. He grew up in a musical family, as his father was a guitarist and his mother was a singer. He developed a passion for music and radio from a young age and started singing in church choirs and school bands.
He also participated in talent shows and competitions, where he showcased his vocal and rap skills. He had a brother, Sipho August, who is also a radio presenter. He also had a fiancée, Nolwazi Ngwenya, whom he had proposed to in 2020. He had planned to marry her in 2024 and had already paid lobola for her.
Death and Legacy
KCI died on December 29, 2023, at the Netcare Greenacres Hospital in Port Elizabeth, after a long battle with cancer. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019 and had undergone several surgeries and chemotherapy sessions. He had also lost a lot of weight and hair and had been in and out of hospital. He had kept his condition private and had only revealed it to his close friends and family.
He is survived by his three children, whom he had with his ex-wife, Noluthando August. He also had a fiancée, Nolwazi Ngwenya, whom he had proposed to in 2020. He had planned to marry her in 2024 and had already paid lobola for her. He also had a brother, Sipho August, who is also a radio presenter.
Tributes & Legacy
KCI was mourned and remembered by his colleagues, friends, fans, and the public, who paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms. They praised him for his talent, his personality, his contribution, and his legacy. They also expressed their condolences and sympathy to his family and loved ones. A memorial service was held for him at the Feather Market Centre in Port Elizabeth, and a funeral service was held at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton. He was buried at the Forest Hill Cemetery.
KCI was one of the most influential and popular radio personalities in South Africa, who had a loyal and massive fan base. He was also a talented and versatile singer and songwriter, who had a unique and distinctive voice. He was a charismatic and humorous entertainer, who had a knack for engaging and captivating audiences. He was a controversial and outspoken figure, who had a passion and a vision for radio and music. He was a legend and an icon, who left a mark and an impact on the industry and society. He was Mthobeli August ‘KCI’, and he will be missed and remembered.
