Tributes have been pouring in on social media since news broke that Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, one third of the iconic kwaito trio TKZee, had died on Monday, August 15 after suffering from an epileptic seizure.
Magesh and TKZee were a key part of the emergence of kwaito in the 90s and its run as one of the top genres in the country in the early aughts. His anthemic hooks and catchy melodies on a host of classic singles defined the era.
Khuli Chana, who featured the late artist on his 2013 hit single “Hape Le Hape 2.0”, shared one of the more touching and personal tributes.
“Rest in peace to my idol, my brother Magesh. Our last conversation was heart-warming. Collaborating with you was one of my wildest dreams. Thank you for making it a reality #RIPMagesh.”
Rest in peace to My idol my brother Magesh
— KhuliYano (@KhuliChana) August 15, 2022
Our last conversation was heartwarming collaborating with you was one of my wildest dreams..
Thank you for making it a reality
#RIPMagesh pic.twitter.com/cUq01tZMTI
Da LES, who was also featured on that same single, added: “RIP Magesh LEGENDS DON’T DIE We Multiply 🕊🕊🕊.”
RIP Magesh LEGENDS DON’T DIE We Multiply 🕊🕊🕊
— Da L.E.S (@2freshLES) August 15, 2022
Anatii thanked Magesh for inspiring him: “rip to the legend Magesh. thank you for the music and the inspiration king.”
rip to the legend Magesh. thank you for the music and the inspiration king.
— ANATII.eth (@ANATII) August 15, 2022
“The dopest Surprise on this day 🙏🏾 Strength to the TKZEE Family 🕊 RIP Magesh #RipMagesh”, added Robot Boii, along with a video of TKZee performing at Cassper Nyovest and Naak Musiq’s fight in Sun City earlier this year.
The dopest Surprise on this day 🙏🏾 Strength to the TKZEE Family 🕊 RIP Magesh #RipMagesh pic.twitter.com/HTVffNzaaZ
— Roboto x3 (@Robot_Boii) August 15, 2022
“RIP to the blueprint of all things cool in SA music. Forever a legend #RIPMagesh 🙏🏽🇿🇦,” tweeted Nandi Madida.
RIP to the blueprint of all things cool in SA music. Forever a legend #RIPMagesh 🙏🏽🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/CwKmbdqyPq
— Nandi Madida (@Nandi_Madida) August 15, 2022
Actress Bonnie Mbuli wrote: “Rest well King Magesh, a lyrical genius and one of the greatest artists of our time 🕊.”
Rest well King Magesh, a lyrical genius and one of the greatest artists of our time 🕊🫶🏾
— Bonnie Mbuli (@BonnieMbuli) August 16, 2022
“RIP Lyrically God of Kwaito 💔 Magesh, The Heavyweight Tiger, Tsotsi Van Tuka, Number1 Tsotsi, Gush-gush Gesh crossed over. Rest well Tokollo. Ufeke ubashayi nge number ka daar 💔 #ripmagesh,” shared veteran music producer Oskido, along with a touching video of Magesh.
RIP Lyrically God of Kwaito 💔
— KeepHopeAlive (@OskidoIBelieve) August 15, 2022
Magesh, The Heavyweight Tiger, Tsotsi Van Tuka, Number1 Tsotsi, Gush-gush Gesh crossed over. Rest well Tokollo. Ufeke ubashayi nge number ka daar 💔 #ripmagesh pic.twitter.com/s2F6zgKcGL
David Tshabalala wrote: “The turn of the new millennium gave rise to the T in TKZEE. Already making waves in the mid-to late 90s, the super group gave us Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, who held his own as a solo artist as well. #RIPMagesh #RIPTokolloTshabalala”
The turn of the new millennium gave rise to the T in TKZEE. Already making waves in the mid-to late 90’s, the super group gave us Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, who held his own as a solo artist as well. #RIPMagesh #RIPTokolloTshabalala pic.twitter.com/YZkEmALz1Y
— David Tshabalala (@SlayingGoliath) August 15, 2022