South African musician Jan Bloukaas, real name Jean du Plessis, who was known for his comedic Afrikaans songs, died on Tuesday night, 3 December, at the age of 25 after a battle with brain cancer, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Du Plessis was previously diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022, according to Maroela Media.
‘It is with a great sadness that we have share this news with you that Jan Bloukaas, Jean du Plessis, went to his home in heaven last night,’ a statement in Afrikaans read on his Facebook page.
‘His bright laugh, love, fighting strength and care for others left a void with us. The family and next of kin would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support and asks for privacy during this time. His music lives forth and his voice will always stay with us. We are going to miss you but we know that you are now where you need to be,’ the statement added.
Du Plessis shot to fame in 2017 when he released his song ‘Kaas elke dag’, with his 2018 album Lewe being nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA) in the best Afrikaans pop album category, according to News24.
He released his second album, The Party Starter, in 2019, and his third album, Vreemdeling, in 2023. Du Plessis’s final album, God Kan, was released on 27 November this year.
Heartfelt tributes were also shared on social media by fellow musicians whom he knew and collaborated with.
‘Rest softly my friend. Thank you for what you taught us. Thank you for your love and that you united people. You united the music industry, more than it was in years,’ said Peach van Pletzen in a statement on Instagram.
‘You did things that the rest of us could not achieve in a certain amount of time,’ Van Pletzen added.
Afrikaans musician Karlien van Jaarsveld also shared a tribute on her Instagram page, saying, ‘Jéan, thank you for the message that you carried’.
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Picture: Jan Bloukaas / Facebook
