50 YEARS OF MAGESH:SOUTH AFRICA IS INVITED TO ACTIVATE”A MOMENT OF MUSIC” FOR A KWAITO ICON
n what would have been his 50th year, the South African music industry is invited to unite in celebration of the extraordinary life and legacy of Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, one of the most influential lyricists, songwriters and cultural pioneers in South African music history.
Rather than a moment of silence, we are calling for a Moment of Music on 14 October, encouraging radio stations, broadcasters, DJs, compilers, streaming services, media personalities and fans across the country to play ‘MAGESH’ a song from TKZee’s landmark album, Halloween, and share a tribute on social media using the music that helped soundtrack a generation.
For millions of South Africans, Magesh’s voice was more than music.
It was the sound of a new democracy finding its confidence, its swagger and its identity.
As a founding member of TKZee, alongside Kabelo Mabalane and Zwai Bala, Magesh helped redefine South African popular culture in the late 1990s through groundbreaking hits including; ‘Phalafala’, ‘Shibobo’, ‘Dlala Mapantsula’, ‘Mambotjie’ and ‘We Love This Place’, amongst others.
Released in 1998, Halloween became one of the most important albums in South African music history, selling more than 200,000 copies, achieving Platinum status and earning four South African Music Awards.
Widely recognised for his lyrical brilliance and effortless storytelling, Magesh was instrumental in taking Kwaito from township streets to mainstream South African culture and beyond. His songwriting, charisma and visionary creativity established him as one of the genre’s defining voices.
Beyond TKZee, he enjoyed a successful solo career with projects including Ndabezitha, Gusheshe and The Longest Time, while continuing to shape the industry as a writer, producer, mentor and entrepreneur.
In recognition of TKZee’s historical contribution to South African music, the group received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards in 2019.
Today, four years after his passing, Magesh’s influence remains unmistakable. His DNA can still be heard in contemporary South African Hip Hop, Amapiano, Kwaito and popular culture.
