Ukhozi FM presenter Irvin Sihlophe has died after suffering a major stroke. Photo: Facebook.com/irvin.sihlophe.

Ukhozi FM listeners are reeling in shock following the news of the passing of the station’s long-serving presenter Xolile Irvin Sihlophe, also known as “DJ Amen”. According to the station’s business manager Sbongi Ngcobo, who made the sad announcement on Friday morning, Sihlophe died on the night of Thursday, 09 November 2023 at Addington Hospital in Durban after suffering a stroke. Born in January 1981, he was only 42 and two months away from his 43rd birthday.

Sihlophe’s passing comes a week after he was admitted to hospital in a critical condition after suffering a major stroke, which is said to have affected his arm and leg. Earlier this week it was reported that he was recovering well, with his friends estimating that he may be out of hospital in the near future. However, according to Sbongi, Sihlophe suffered another stroke last night, resulting in his death.

According to his Linkedin profile, Sihlophe, who previously worked at Ikhwezi FM, joined Ukhozi FM in 2005 as a sports producer and presenter. Ms Ngcobo described him as a hard-working and well-loved member of staff. “People loved Irvin. As his colleagues, we worked very well with him. He was easy to work with. I have never heard anyone talk bad about Irvin. He was very dedicated to his job at Ukhozi FM. There is nothing he did not do. He was in sports, education and even did documentaries for us. He would do tasks that were not even part of his job description without ever complaining about it. He was able to help wherever he could. He leaves behind a huge void which we will definitely feel,” she said while conveying condolences to Sihlophe’s family, friends, colleagues and the station’s listeners.

Sihlophe was also an event director known for organizing the popular Uvukile Gospel Festival, together with his friend and business partner Pastor Mjosty.