MONDAY, 15 AUGUST, was a sad day for kwaito music lovers.
This after it was announced that legendary kwaito artist Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala has died.
THE 45-YEAR-OLD TKZEE MEMBER DIED YESTERDAY DUE TO AN EPILEPTIC SEIZURE.
TKZee announced his death on social media.
“It is with great sadness that the family wishes to confirm the passing of Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala.
“Magesh, as he was affectionately known, passed away this morning as a result of an epileptic seizure.
“The family requests privacy during this difficult period,” they wrote.
They said all details pertaining to the memorial and funeral service will be shared in due course.
Speaking on behalf of TKZee, their business manager Refiloe Ramogase said Zwai Bala and Kabelo Mabalane are shattered by Magesh’s passing.
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“We are talking about a lifelong friendship and brotherhood that is linked with some of the greatest music this country has ever heard and experienced.
“The gentlemen are not okay. This is like losing a sibling and this is why they are not speaking to the media right now. They are going through a lot,” he said.
Refiloe said Magesh will be missed.
“Magesh was a genuinely good human being. “He had a good heart. Anybody who knew him, loved him.
“Like anybody else, he was perfectly imperfect.
“Even if you argued, at the end of the day, you knew that he cares for you and has your back. “We’ll also miss his sense of humour,” he said.
TKZee was known for their hits which included Shibobo, Palafala and Dlala Mapantsula.
Kwaito legend Mdu Masilela, who discovered Magesh, said he is heartbroken by his passing.
“We are saddened by the loss. What a talented icon and artist.
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“Magesh was discovered by Sara Masilela, my wife, and she bought him to me. I gave him a platform on Mashamplani,” he said.
Mdu said he recently appreciated Magesh on social media.
“We had been in contact. I posted him on Instagram recently, appreciating our brotherhood. I just wanted to remind him that we are still brothers,” he said.
“My plan was to do something with himI wanted to go back into studio and work with him. I just wanted to keep the music going, but I hadn’t told him about the plan yet. He was one of the most talented people I know. We’re going miss his style.”
Izinja hitmaker Mapaputsi said: “We weren’t excepting his passing. I mean, he wasn’t sick. At least when someone is sick, we get to prepare ourselves. “We didn’t get the chance to do that with Magesh but there’s nothing we can do now. Condolences to the family and to all our friends.”We’ve just lost a great solider, a humble and loving man who loved kwaito and was proud to be a South African musician.”He was funny and we’ll miss that the most about him.
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Fans and industry mates took to social media to pay tribute to Magesh.
DJ Sbu, wrote: “RIP to SA’s No.1 kwaito lyricist of all time.”
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation said: “It is with great sadness to note the passing of Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala.” Known affectionately as ‘Magesh’, Tshabalala passed away this morning as a result of an epileptic seizure. He will be missed by his family, friends and fans. May his soul Rest In Peace. #RIPMagesh.”
Orlando Pirates, which Magesh’s dad, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala is director of, also released a statement.
“Orlando Pirates is saddened by the passing of the son of Mr Stanley Tshabalala, Tokollo. On behalf of the extended@orlandopirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Tshabalala family,” they wrote.