The musician who died at the ANC's centenary celebrations in Bloemfontein was 54-year-old Sizanempi Nxusa, who came from President Jacob Zuma's hometown of Nkandla, the Witness reported on Monday.
Nxusa was the bassist for the maskandi group Ihashi Elimhlophe (White Horse).
The group was about to go on stage on Saturday when Nxusa collapsed and died, apparently of heat stroke.
Band leader Bheki Ngcobo said he was called after Nxusa had already collapsed.
"We poured some cold water over him, but he did not wake up. An ambulance was immediately summoned to the scene and Nxusa and another girl who also collapsed next to him were rushed to hospital.
"However we were told that Nxusa died before reaching hospital," Ngcobo said.
Temperatures peaked at above 40 degrees celsius and several people were treated for dehydration.
Ngcobo said Nxusa was with the group for over 15 years and had been in good health.
Ihashi Elimhlophe did not perform after his death and band members wept openly on stage, the Witness reported. — Sapa