Local DJ Stebo to be laid to rest today after fatal crash

The late DJ Tebogo Pudumo

By Tshepiso Mogomotsi

Music lovers in Atamelang and surrounding villages will today bid farewell to popular local DJ Tebogo Pudumo, 43, affectionately known as DJ Stebo, who died in a car accident last weekend while on his way to a performance.

Pudumo was travelling to Kasie Chillas Tavern in his home village of Thaba Sione, under the Tswaing Local Municipality, when the accident occurred at about 7pm on Saturday, January 10.

DJ Stebo, who entered the music industry in 2008, built a solid reputation as a crowd favourite, particularly for his Amapiano and Lekompo sets.

His career gained momentum after he joined Top Dawg Production, where he worked alongside several well-known DJs and played a key role in shaping the local township sound.

Veteran DJ Mokete Ramokadi, popularly known as DJ Rough, who mentored Pudumo early in his career, described him as a rare talent with a humble spirit.

“He was disciplined, talented and always willing to uplift others. Stebo never carried grudges and took his craft seriously,” said Ramokadi.

Top Dawg Production manager Ontisitse Nqunde (DJ Tiso) said the group was devastated. “Stebo always gave his best. He was reliable, committed and easy to work with. We believed his best years were still ahead of him,” he said.

Pudumo’s cousin and long-time friend, King Dee, said witnessing the aftermath of the accident was deeply traumatic. “He was more than a cousin; he was my best friend. We grew up together in music and formed Party Animals back in 2008. Losing him like this is unbearable.”

Fans have also poured out messages of grief. “He brought joy wherever he played. His music united people,” said Boingotlo Diphoko. Another supporter, Ikgopoleng Kgosigadi Lobeko, described him as “a gentle giant whose positivity went beyond the stage”.

Family spokesperson Simon Pudumo said DJ Stebo was not only a respected artist but also a devoted father and a role model to many young people in the village.

“He lived with discipline and purpose. His legacy will continue to inspire the youth,” he said.

 DJ Stebo will be laid to rest today (Saturday) at the Thaba Sione Village Cemetery. The funeral service is scheduled to begin at 7am.