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How did Lil Meri die? Bolobedu singer dies at 22, fans say 'we loved your music'

'Those who know him know his potential and influence. Bolobedu music won’t be the same without him,' a fan noted about Lil Meri

Samuel Mauritius Malatji, a young South African singer who was more popular by his stage name Lil Meri, has tragically died at the age of 22 years. Well-loved among the youth, Lil Meri had a sizeable fanbase who were shocked to the core at his shocking death. The shocking news on December 11, 2021, was confirmed by his manager recently. 

Lil Meri hailed from Relela village in Tzaneen province of South Africa. He was a singer of the local Bolobedu Amadamara style and had released two hit tracks 'THIPA' and 'Melema' in 2020. He was quite popular on Instagram with over 3,000 followers and was gaining more fans gradually. The news of Lil Meri's death comes on the heels of the tragic deaths of US rappers like Slim 400, Young Dolph, and MC Black. 

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Insider sources have revealed that the young singer died after a brief illness though further details about his ailment are yet to come to light. Lil Meri's community Bolobedu was badly impacted by an employment crisis in the recent past, prompting many youths like him to look for alternate ways to earn. This was how Malatji discovered his passion for music and became a part of the well-recognized Bolobedu musical gang 'Ba Company'. He recorded a series of songs with the group including the popular 'Welcome Again Manizo'. 

Later, he launched his solo career in music and doled out hit singles like 'Ke ngwana wa Motho' and 'Melomo ya batho'. Aside from his musical achievements, Lil Meri was also good in academics, as he had pursued a degree in Mechanical engineering from Letaba TVET College and also obtained his N3 qualification. He had his fair share of controversy as well, as he was detained by the police for wearing an outfit of South African Defence Pressure (SANDF). However, he was released from custody after a few days given his clean past record. Through his music, Lil Meri conveyed the messages of peace to his youth audience, urging them to give up hooliganism and community terrorism. 

Fans flocked to his social media profiles to offer their tribute and condolences to the promising singer, ranked fifth at present among the Thobela FM Top 30. "Rest In Peace Young King ❤️❤️❤️," a fan said, while another noted, "SECOND HALF SLEEP WELL🤟....THANK YOU 4 THE MUSIC 🤙🏼." A third fan commented, "Rest easy ntwanaka😭😭🕊️💔," referring to one of his popular hits. "Rest in peace king !!we loved your music so much Lil meri," said one fan on social media. 

"Devastating news for Limpopo and it’s music culture as it loses a young soldier Lil Meri. Those who know him know his potential and influence. Bolobedu music won’t be the same without him," a fan tweeted along with a video of Lil Meri on a podcast. "Lil meri is no more yoh can this year end already," another wrote.