TKZee

One of the most popular kwaito acts of the 1990s, TKZee is a duo made up of high school friends Kabelo 'Bouga Luv' Mabalane and Zwai Bala. The group started off as a trio, but another founding member Tokollo 'Magesh' Tshabalala passed on in August 2022.

The trio released big-selling albums, starting with Take It Eazy (1996) and Shibobo (1998). Halloween (1999), featured the smash hit ‘Dlala Mapantsula’ and earned the group a record five Samas, including Best Kwaito Album, Best Single and Best Duo/Group. Next came Guz 2001 (2000) and Trinity (2001), before the group split. As solo artists the band’s members sold a collective 400 000 records, earning another 5 Samas between them. TKZee has opened for the likes of Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna. In 1998 they performed at Nelson Mandela’s 80th Birthday Party in Johannesburg alongside Boyz 2 Men.

They reformed in 2009 to release Coming Home, much to the delight of the group’s extensive and loyal fanbase. That year they were voted ‘Most Legendary Kwaito Group’ by MTV Base. They performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They continue to perform occasionally while pursuing their solo careers.