SA: TKZee to mark 25 years since Halloween album with podcast launch

The podcast pays homage to the 25th Anniversary of the group’s debut nine-track album Halloween and its impact on popular culture. Halloween was released in 1998, four years into the dawn of South African democracy. 

“As much as TKZee was a representation of the youth at the time, we can’t take for granted the contribution that [other] young people made to the struggle for freedom before us, and the opportunities the youth have today,” TKZee member Zwai Bala said. “My hope is that the 25th Anniversary of Halloween will serve to document some of our experience while sending out a message of doing the work and being persistent about making that dream happen.”

The 25th anniversary of Halloween marks a significant milestone in South African music history. It will be celebrated on Youth Day with a star-studded gathering of industry leaders, devoted fans and members of the TKZee family. The occasion will serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Zwai Bala, Kabelo Mabalane, and the late Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala, a trio that has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Bala added: “The 25th Anniversary of Halloween is a conversation that allows for us to reflect on the context in which TKZee rose to prominence and crossed genres and age demographics to appeal to everyone.”

Halloween achieved immense success, driven by hit singles ‘We Love This Place’, ‘Phalafala’ and ‘Dlala Mapantsula’, and earned Platinum certification from RiSA after selling over 200 000 copies. The group’s outstanding work was recognised at the South African Music Awards, where they won four awards: Best Kwaito Album, Best Duo/Group, Best Single and Best Kwaito Single. TKZee continued to produce chart-topping hits, including ‘Shibobo’ in 1998, dedicated to the FIFA World Cup. The group’s discography also includes successful albums like Guz 2001 (TKZee family), Trinity, Coming Home and Guz Hits.

Coinciding with the recording of the 25th Anniversary of Halloween event, the vinyl stock of the iconic album sold out entirely. As a gesture of appreciation for their devoted fans, TKZee has arranged a special meet and greet/signing session on 13 June from 1pm, where they will autograph the newly released Halloween vinyl records, available this week at Mr. Vinyl. Interested fans should RSVP at pumla.wilbon@sonymusic.com to spend an hour with TKZee and have their vinyl autographed ahead of the premiere.