Kabelo Mabalane, Amu Tshawane and Zwai Bala show each other love at the Back to the City Festival.
Image: Instagram
South African MC and rapper Amukhelani “Amu” Tshawane has expressed his admiration for kwaito legends TKZee, celebrating their enduring impact on the music scene.
In an Instagram post, Amu shared his appreciation for Kabelo Mabalane, Zwai Bala, and the late Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala, highlighting the strong bond they share.
“25+ Year Brotherhood 👊🏿...We made it this far...By God's grace,” Amu wrote in his post.
Netizens responded warmly to his tribute, with comments such as:
@unathi.co said: “Kungemnandi 💫💫💫 They were amazing.”
Another user, @czarodriego, said: “First superstars I’ve ever known; I do music because of y’all.”
@siyabongamasiyazn said: “Bru, you gave us good music. Best MC back in the days. Keep doing well, Bru 🙏.”
While @kgatlhisom said: “My childhood in one pic 🙏🏾.”
Recently, TKZee performed at the Back to the City Festival, Africa's largest hip-hop and street culture festival, held in Newtown, Johannesburg.
This one-day event features live performances from local and international artists, DJ sets, breakdancing and street art, all celebrating hip-hop culture.
The festival also included a skate park, food and clothing stalls, and a hip hop summit with workshops and discussions on the industry.
On October 14, TKZee paid tribute to the late Magesh on what would have been his birthday, stating, “Happy heavenly birthday to the 🐐” on their Instagram page.
Magesh passed away from an epileptic seizure at his home in August 2022.
He was the son of the late Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala, a former coach of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana.
In 1992, Zwai Bala won a scholarship to attend St Stithians College, where he met Kabelo Mabalane, who later introduced him to Tshabalala.
Four years later, the trio formed TKZee, who became the poster boys of cool in the 1990s.
They pioneered a unique sound that redefined South Africa’s music history, becoming the best-selling kwaito group.
TKZee delivered iconic tracks like "Phalafala" and "Shibobo", which they performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City.