The vehicle she was travelling in overturned between the Heidelberg Road off-ramp and Grey Avenue in Germiston, east of Johannesburg.

At this stage the cause of the accident is still unknown.

One of the hottest female singers in South Africa, her raunchy dance act, sexy look and unique sound set new standards in the South African music industry and made her a star in the region.

Shooting to fame in 1994 as one of the lead vocalists and dancers in the multi-platinum selling band Boom Shaka, she went on to launch her solo career in 2000.

"She was a great performer and entertainer.

Her music was unique and she promoted African musicians worldwide.

Her death is a true loss, not only to South African music but to African music," African Boy, a local R&B artist, told The Namibian yesterday.

After the release of her debut album 'Dream' in 2001, Mathosa went on to win Best Dance album, Best Dance Single and Best Female Vocalist at the coveted South African Music Awards (Sama).

According to Killa-B, a local kwaito artist: "People need to look at the senseless and tragic deaths of these great entertainers.

First Brenda Fassie died, then TK and now Lebo.

It is a huge loss; she was a great entertainer.

She did something unique and different and her star was on the rise."

Mathosa performed to large crowds in South Africa, Namibia and internationally.

One of her most memorable performances was in front of a crowd of 16 000 at former South African President Nelson Mandela's 85th birthday bash.

She has shared the stage with world-class musicians and recorded tracks with South African and international artists, such as Keith Sweat on his album entitled 'Africa'.

She was also well known for her acting talent and played roles in several South African television shows such as 'Generations', 'Backstage' and 'Muvhango'.

"She was a great inspiration to female artists across the continent.

Her unique and energetic style was criticised, at times, for being too sexy, but she was a true trailblazer for African entertainment.

She did her thing and people loved it.

It's really a great loss to music," said Ndeshi, Namibia's hip-hop and R&B diva.

In 2001, Lebo won the Style Best Dressed Woman of the Year Award and was nominated by FHM magazine as one of Africa's sexiest women.

Lebo has been on the cover of almost every South African magazine and was regularly in the society pages of South African newspapers.

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