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Tzaneen, South Africa (Al Jazeera) — The farewell to deep house DJ and producer Caven Masetla-Moshaane, known as DJ Poizen, took an unexpected turn on September 7, 2025, as mourners in his Tzaneen hometown were stunned by an elaborate tombstone featuring a statue of the artist at his turntable.
The 35-year-old, killed in a tragic N1 car crash near Polokwane on August 30, 2025, was laid to rest in a ceremony blending grief with controversy. Social media erupted with reactions, from awe to accusations of “witchcraft,” as fans questioned the bold tribute to a beloved music icon.
The funeral, attended by family, friends, and industry peers, was a dignified affair with mourners in black and green, honoring Poizen’s vibrant legacy. Candles and flowers adorned the venue, reflecting his deep house influence.
But it was the unveiling of the tombstone—a lifelike statue of Poizen, headphones on, hands on a turntable—that stole the spotlight. “It’s too much,” posted Thobekile Nkomeni on X, adding, “It will be a party waya waya in that cemetery. The DJ has arrived.” Others, like EmKay Marstown McAdam, quipped, “Nice tombstone. They didn’t have to collaborate with Rasta though,” referencing the artist known for polarizing celebrity portraits.
The statue, meant to immortalize Poizen’s passion, sparked mixed reactions. Peter Malesela Seema wrote, “Didn’t I see somewhere on social media that the family was asking for help to bury the guy or this is the help? Nice tombstone, the guys won’t sleep tonight cos there will be graveyard party.”
Lisa Lee’s comment cut deeper: “Plllssss I beg, wat kind of witchcraft is this now 🤭.” The backlash, amplified on platforms like Instagram, highlighted cultural divides over extravagant memorials in South Africa, where tombstones often reflect status but rarely feature such bold sculptures.
The controversy overshadowed parts of the ceremony, which included a memorial on September 5 at Centurion Shisanyama in Tshwane, where the music community celebrated Poizen’s deep house contributions. The crash that claimed his life also killed four others, while DJ Chymamusique, a passenger, survived with serious injuries but was out of ICU by September 8.
Limpopo Artists Movement (LAM) chairman and former Skeem Saam actor addressed rumors of financial woes, stating, “DJ Poizen was no pauper. He had active SAMRO and SAMPRA policies, ensuring his family’s support.” He dismissed claims of crowdfunding for the burial, emphasizing Poizen’s responsibility.
Despite the tombstone debate, Poizen’s legacy as a dedicated artist shone through. His work ethic and genre-defining tracks earned praise, with fans like @DeepHouseVibes tweeting, “Statue or not, Poizen’s beats live forever.” The ceremony underscored his impact, but the statue—bold, unprecedented, and divisive—has left Mzansi questioning where tribute ends and excess begins. As the music fades in Tzaneen’s cemeteries, will Poizen’s memorial spark a new trend or remain a singular spectacle?
