Melbourne-Based Hip Hop/Reggae Artist Di Apprentice Passes Away At 27

Zimbabwe-born-Melbourne-based hip hop/reggaeton artist Di Apprentice, real name Kudakwashe Pwiti, has tragically passed away at just 27 years of age. 

Pwiti's wife, Cat Pwiti, confirmed the musician's death which occurred on Tuesday in a Facebook statement writing, "Many knew Apprentice as a charismatic, fun, kind and of course talented man of which he was, but what many did not see was my Kuda who I knew, who fought so many demons everyday just to get through to the next one, until finally he just could not fight any longer and chose to set himself free."

"We battled for Kuda, with him and sometimes against him to try and help him through his darkness and toward the light, but for our beloved son, friend, brother, father, husband we could not win the fight. It was never ours to conquer."

Pwiti went on to say, "Kuda aka Di Apprentice was and is undisputedly One of the most talented music artists Zimbabwe, Australia, and the world has ever known."

"His only dream in life was to be acknowledged and respected as a Dancehall/Zim Dancehall artist of which I'm sure we can all agree he achieved."

Read the full statement below. 

After relocating to Australia in 2008, Pwiti went on to become one of the most popular names in Melbourne's hip hop and reggae community and in 2013 released his debut album, Watch My Step.

Pwiti ran Melbourne dance studio 'Jungle City' along with his wife which specialises in hip hop and dancehall workshops. 

A Gofundme campaign has since been launched for people to make donations to Pwiti's family and help pay for funeral expenses.

According to a statement on the campaign page, Pwiti had hopes of returning to Zimbabwe with his wife and child, Cristiano.

"Although he will not see it in life we hope to fulfil this dream at least in death, and make this journey with him to finally lay his body to rest in his beloved birth place of Zimbabwe," the campaign page reads.

"We thank you all for the many ways you touched Kuda's life and know that he valued each and everyone of you. Let our love for Kuda unite us all and remember always the importance of family, community, and loving one another with respect and compassion."

For more details on how to donate, click here. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.