TKZee is the band that has rewritten the South Africa’s musical history books by becoming the biggest selling kwaito group in the country. The group is made up of 3 school friends – Tokollo Tshabalala, Kabelo Mabalane and Zwai Bala, who had a passion for music and this showed in their success.

Zwai Bala, a classically trained musician who has been trained both locally and internationally, met with aspiring rappers Kabelo (Bouga) & Tokollo (TK), who had mad skillz, at St Stithians College. This is TKZee.  Their sound is unique. It is a mixture of kwaito, hip-hop, classical, house and gospel beats that fuse into what is called “Guz” music. This is a deadly combination that had Mzansi’s youth jamming to a never-heard-before new and exciting beat.

In 1996, the group self produced the single and EP “TAKE IT EEZY”. Relatively unknown at the time, the sound was ahead of its time and didn’t do well. 

The group shot to prominence in late 1997 and early 1998 with their smash hit singles PALAFALA and then SHIBOBO. PALAFALA became an instant hit, with the CD single selling over 100 000 units.  The album also featured guest appearances by S’bu, who had been a member of Mashaplani with Tokollo. 

The group's next big release was SHIBOBO in June 1998 with Bafana Bafana and Blackburn Rovers Striker, Benni McCarthy. The song, which samples THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, was an instant success. Sales topped the 100 000 mark in just over a month, a feat which made SHIBOBO the fastest and biggest selling CD single by a South African recording artist in history. This single featured hot new tracks Guz (named after TKZee’s hybrid sound) and SERENADE.  The group quickly became household names, not just in South Africa but across the continent.

The third album, HALLOWEEN hit the streets in late October 1998. This was another huge hit for the group which contained the smash singles "DLALA MAPANSULA", “MAMBOTJIE” and “WE LOVE THIS PLACE”. The multi-platinum album earned them 4 SAMA’s (South African Music Awards) for Best Kwaito Album, Best Duo/Group, Best Single and Best Kwaito Single. The album also earned a 5th SAMA on that fateful night for “Best Video”. To date, this record haul of 5 SAMA’s in one night has not been surpassed.

In 2000 they produced GUZ 2001, a compilation album by TKZee Family, consisting of the original TKZee members alongside other names including Gwyza, Loyiso, 2 shot and the late Dr Mageu sharing the musical stage with Kutlwano Masote and jazz genius Moses Taiwa Molelekwa.

After much success, the group decided to pursue solo careers in 2002 but have re-grouped to produce one of the most anticipated albums of 2009.  The trio’s latest album, “COMING HOME”, has 12 amazing tracks that will get South Africa dancing this summer. The new offering is modern and futuristic but still with that GUZ flavour. It celebrates all three members’ lives and musical journeys over the last decade.  S’DUDLA is the first single to hit the airwaves and if the past is anything to go by, TKZee will be writing another chapter in the history of SA music.

Singles

Albums