PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/@KABELOMABALANE
South African kwaito star Kabelo Mabalane is marking an extraordinary personal milestone with the release of new music, 24 years after beginning his sobriety journey.
Also see: ’11 years later’: Kabelo Mabalane announces long-awaited music comeback
The former TKZee member, popularly known as Bouga Luv, has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and the journey that followed. Over the years, Kabelo has used his platform to speak about recovery, faith and the importance of making a decision to change one’s life.
His latest music release comes as he celebrates more than two decades of sobriety, making the song particularly significant in the context of his personal journey.
A journey that began 24 years ago
Kabelo’s decision to become sober dates back to 2002, following a period in which his drug and alcohol use had spiralled.
He has previously spoken about becoming addicted to drugs after being introduced to ecstasy while working in a recording studio. His substance use later included cocaine and heavy drinking, eventually leading to a four-day drug binge that resulted in him being hospitalised, reported ECR.
Kabelo eventually checked himself into rehabilitation, beginning the journey that would change his life.
In 2022, he marked 20 years of sobriety, reflecting on the importance of asking for help and acknowledging that he could not overcome his addiction alone.
The musician has continued to speak publicly about recovery and encourage others struggling with substance abuse to seek help.
Also see: Kabelo Mabalane praises spiritual leader Joseph Prince
From addiction to a life of purpose
Kabelo’s sobriety journey has become an important part of his public story.
Alongside his music career, he has embraced his faith and become a pastor, while also using his experiences to speak to young people about the dangers of substance abuse.
In 2025, as he approached his 23rd year of sobriety, Kabelo spoke about taking his message into schools and communities, highlighting the importance of creating drug-free environments for young people.
His willingness to discuss his past has also allowed him to become an advocate for recovery and a source of encouragement for people facing similar struggles.
New music marks another milestone
The release of his new song adds another layer to Kabelo’s ongoing journey.
For an artist whose career has spanned decades, music has remained an important part of his identity. Kabelo rose to fame as part of TKZee, one of South Africa’s most influential kwaito groups, before establishing a successful solo career.
He has previously released music that reflected different chapters of his life, while also documenting his experiences in his autobiography, I Ran For My Life.
His latest release therefore comes at a meaningful point in his life — 24 years after he made the decision to turn his life around.
An inspiring message of recovery
Kabelo’s story continues to serve as a reminder that recovery is a journey rather than a single moment.
From his early days as a kwaito star to his work as a pastor, motivational speaker and advocate for drug-free futures, he has continued to share the lessons he has learned along the way.
His 24-year sobriety milestone is another chapter in that story, while the new song gives him another creative outlet through which to express himself.
For fans who have followed Kabelo since his TKZee days, the release is also a reminder of how far the musician has come.
Also see: ‘Back in the Kitchen,’- Kabelo Mabalane makes a musical comeback
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