TV presenter and singer Johnny Davids has died suddenly at the age of 49 from a heart attack. The news was confirmed by NBC Digital News in a Facebook post which shared details of the incident. "Well-known Walvis Bay-born personality Johnny Davids has died from a heart attack this morning in Pretoria, South Africa," they wrote. "Thinus Ferreira, who writes the TV with Thinus column, reported that Johnny Davids, a Cape Town resident, began experiencing chest pains on Wednesday but chose to ignore them. He subsequently passed away in Pretoria, where he was staying in a guest house while working on an episode of the kykNET show Landbouweekliks. At 03:00 this morning, an ambulance was called, but medics failed to revive him on the scene."
Tributes flooded in for the star who leaves behind his wife Liezel, and three children. Writing on Facebook one person shared: "Completely speechless on this Thursday morning. A better man you won't get. RiP Johnny Davids."
Another added: "It still does not seem real. Johnny Davids was the best of us.From the moment that we met we became firm friends. I've never met someone as humble as him. A person who was loved by all. I don't think that it is possible that Johnny could have any enemies. He was salt and life to a world who so desperately needs it. Liezel Swarts Davids, thank you for sharing boykie with us. Heartfelt condolences to you and his beloved sons."]
A third person chimed in: "I know that the community of Narraville in Namibia is in mourning over the loss of the son of their soul. He did you proud. My friend it hurts but I know that you are home now and rejoicing in heaven. Rest in Glory!"
A fourth penned: "Our hearts are shattered at the news of the passing of our brother, friend, and a truly special soul, Johnny Davids . Johnny wasn’t just someone you knew, he was someone you felt. His presence carried warmth, his spirit carried strength, and his heart touched so many of us in ways words can’t fully capture...Rest easy, our dear beloved friend and brother. You will be missed more than you know and remembered more than you could imagine."
A fifth lamented: "Johnny Davids what an amazing human you were. Always so calm and whether we bumped into each other at the Airport or at the Rugby meetings you always said: 'Let’s continue to tell the coloured stories…' You have multiplied. Your life is a celebration. Sincerest condolences to the Davids family."
Meanwhile a sixth commented: "Johnny Davids - we are all extremely sad & heartbroken by your sudden passing, was lovely to meet you and have you in my studio some time ago. You will always be an inspiration and messenger of God to so many.
Condolences to your family and friends, you are a legend and will always be in our hearts."
Although he found fame in South Africa and made it his home Johnny was Namibian-born. In 2024 he had published his autobiography Boytjie, which told the story of his journey from a difficult childhood to success.
He was adopted by a teacher and grew up not knowing his biological parents. He first came to public prominence when he won the singing competition Zing on kykNET.
In the years that followed he became a household name working for SuperSport as an Afrikaans sports commentator and working for Homebrew Films on shows like Kwêla, Bravo! and the golf estate magazine show Ysters op die Landgoed. He was also a familiar voice on radio hosting shows on the SABC's RSG such as music programmes OppiRadio and Al Daai Jazz, in addition to anchoring daily sports coverage. Alongside this he was hugely in demand as a motivational speaker.
