TKZee legend Tokollo ‘Magesh’ dies
JOHANNESBURG - Kwaito legend and member of iconic group TKZee Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala has passed away.
City Press understands that the 45-year-old hit maker’s lifeless body was found by a family member yesterday morning and it was believed that he died during his sleep.
According to a relative who asked not to be named, his death could be due to his battle with epilepsy. Tshabalala was one of kwaito’s most renowned musicians, famously known for his songwriting and being a member of TKZee, complementing the group with his unique rapping skills.
In 1994, TKZee released their first full album, ‘Halloween, which became a huge hit with smash singles like ‘We Love This Place’. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of SA as it sold over 200 000 copies. It also earned them four awards at the SA Music Awards for Best Kwaito Album, Best Duo/Group, Best Single and Best Kwaito Single.
They rose to prominence in 1997, with their hit single ‘Phalafala’ and a year later, their collaboration with the current Manchester United Coach, Benni McCarthy, which was recorded in Amsterdam, shot them to global stardom with their chart-topper, dedicated to the 1998, FIFA World Cup.
In 1999, they produced Guz 2001, a compilation album by TKZee family, consisting of the original TKZee members alongside other names on their record label TKZ Wrekords, including Gwyza, Loyiso, 2 shot and Dr Mageu sharing the musical stage with Kutlwano Masote.
As the son of soccer Coach Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala, he proved that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as both were creative geniuses in their own right.
Tshabalala will be remembered as a pioneer of the Kwaito genre with a music career spanning over three decades, writing hit songs, including Mambotje and Dlala Mapantsula. TKZee was formed by childhood friends composer Zwai Bala and musician-turned pastor and anti-drug activist Kabelo Mabalane. The three met when studying at the prestigious St Stithians College.