Kwaito legend and member of iconic group TKZee Tokollo Tshabalala has died. He was born on October 14, 1976 in Johannesburg, South Africa and he died at the age of 45.
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After so many years as a performer, Tokollo amassed considerable wealth for himself and at the time of death, he had an estimated net worth of $1 million.
Tokollo was one of kwaito’s most renowned musicians, famously known for his songwriting skills as well as being a prominent member of the music group TKZee, complementing the group with his special rapping skills.
In 1994, TKZee released their first full album, Halloween, which became a huge hit with smash singles like We Love This Place.
The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of SA as it sold over 200 000 copies and it also earned them four awards at the SA Music Awards for Best Kwaito Album, Best Duo/Group, Best Single and Best Kwaito Single.
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TKZee rose to global acclaim in 1997 with their hit single Phalafala.
The following year, their collaboration with the current Manchester United coach, Benni McCarthy, which was recorded in Amsterdam, shot them to global stardom with their chart-topper, Shibobo, which was dedicated to the 1998 Fifa World Cup.
In 1999, they produced Guz 2001, a compilation album by TKZee Family, consisting of the original TKZee members alongside other names on their record label TKZ Wrekords, including Gwyza, Loyiso, 2 shot and Dr Mageu sharing the musical stage with Kutlwano Masote.
Tokollo’s family released a statement through publicist Sheila Afari confirming that the kwaito star died due to an epileptic seizure.
“The family requests for privacy during this difficult period, all details pertaining to his memorial and funeral service will be shared in due course,” the statement read.
Tokollo will be remembered as a pioneer of the Kwaito genre with a music career spanning over three decades, writing hit songs, including Mambotje and Dlala Mapantsula.
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