Tokollo ‘Magesh,’ a legendary Kwaito musician and TKZee member, has died

Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, a Kwaito legend and member of the iconic group TKZee, has died.

According to City Press, the 45-year-old hitmaker’s lifeless body was discovered by a family member this morning, and it is believed that he died while sleeping.

According to a relative who did not want to be identified, his death could have been caused by his epilepsy:

Tshabalala is a well-known kwaito musician, best known for his songwriting and as a member of TKZee, where he contributes his unique rapping skills.

The Tshabalala family confirmed through publicist Sheila Afari that the kwaito star died as a result of 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.

Halloween, TKZee’s first full-length album, was released in 1994 and became a huge hit with smash singles like “We Love This Place.” The Recording Industry of South Africa certified the album platinum after it sold over 200 000 copies. It also earned them four SA Music Awards nominations, including Best Kwaito Album, Best Duo/Group, Best Single, and Best Kwaito Single.

They rose to prominence with their hit single Phalafala in 1997, and a year later, their collaboration with current Manchester United coach, Benni McCarthy, which was recorded in Amsterdam, catapulted them to global stardom with their chart-topper, Shibobo, dedicated to the 1998 Fifa World Cup.