Paying tribute to Magesh & Crazy Thibos!
TZKEE rapperTokollo MageshTshabalala was recently given a lowkey send off following his spiritual transition, and his contribution to the local music sector was recognised and appreciated.After all,TKZEE, comprising of Tshabalala together with Zwai Bala and Kabelo Mabalane, is a big group!
The 45-year-old skillful lyricist and passionate performer,
died from an epileptic seizure as per the statement from his family. It was a sombre mood at the Rhema Bible Church, a fortnight ago, where the funeral service of the kwaito legend was held in Johannesburg.
As a journalist, fun lover and music enthusiast, I have seen TKZEE perform a couple of times in Mafikeng and Johannesburg. I recall that one time when I saw them perform in Mafikeng - not sure if it was the 60s or Lotlamoreng Dam. Boy, it was a blast.
I am a millenial and grew up on a staple diet of kwaito and TKZEE was among the groups that I loved. In fact, I recall that we once performed
Shibobo at our school talent show (so-called V show) together with a group of classmates. I was always known as an introvert: shy and reserved, but when the music came on, I transformed into an upbeat person. The group churned great hits such as We Love this place, Fiasco, Dlala Mapantsula and Phalafala.
The group reignited my love for kwaito in December 2019 when they performed at the Mascom Live Sessions at BotswanaCraft shortly before the Covid19 restrictions struck. Those were good days!
I recall they performed from 10pm until midnight; it was a great performance, and the group gave revellers their money’s worth.
I recall how halfway through the performance, Tshabalala mentioned that it was his first time in Botswana after several years following an unfortunate incident when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident that left one person dead and others injured. “After that incident I didn’t think I would return here. It was all so sad. But I am glad to be here, and sharing our
music with you!”
Little did we know that he would be gone so soon.
But blessed are those who use their talents and gifts to do things that make them happy.
RIP Magesh! Another recent shocker was the passing of long-time member of Alaska, 46-yearold Thabo Tsotetsi (poularly known as Crazy Thibos) who had reportedly been ill for sometime. Alaska churned hits such as Accuse, Fokol and Woshi, among others. Just a year ago, I saw them performing at Notwane Lifestyle centre at a kwaito gig headlined Mdu.
I was ill at the time but I pushed myself even in that state; and it was worth the experience. The two hunks gave a fired-up performance with energetic pantsula moves, dancing like teenagers. After losing their frontman Les Ma Ada in 2013, the group now only has one surviving member.