Kabelo Mabalane Pauses Album Release to Honor the Late Tokollo Tshabalala On What Would Have Been His 50th Birthday
Kabelo Mabalane Pauses Album Release to Honor the Late Tokollo Tshabalala On What Would Have Been His 50th Birthday. On this day 50 years ago, Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala was born. He went on to becoming one of the best Kwaito stars in the country. Magesh co-founded the iconic kwaito group TKZee alongside Zwai Bala and Kabelo Mabalane. Sadly, he passed away after suffering an epileptic seizure on August 15, 2022, at the age of 45.
Every year on his birthday, Magesh is remembered by the masses, with his remaining bandmates, Kabelo and Zwai always joining in. This year is even a special one, as the late musician would have been 50 years of age. Kabelo, who was his friend from school has penned a touching message in Magesh’s remembrance.
“Mfana, today you would have been 50.
Some friendships go beyond time, beyond music, beyond this life. What we shared was bigger than the moments we lived, we created memories that will live forever, and left a legacy that can never be erased.
Tokollo, not a day goes by that your presence isn’t missed. Today, I celebrate your life, your gift, your spirit, and the brotherhood that death could never take away. The world remembers the legend, but I remember a brother.
Your name will always be spoken, your music will always play, and your light will never fade.
Magesh we changed the world. We toured the World. We got arrested, we fought, we cried. We drove over 200+ km/hr on the highway. We won BIG and we lost BIG. We’ve lived 5 life times in the 30 years. What a ride It’s been. Rest in peace my NIGGA❤️
MAGESH IS BEETHOVEN 👊🏿,” he said.
About a month ago, Kabelo announced that he was working on his 10th studio album, titled For King and Country. The album was originally scheduled to drop today, October 14, 2026, but Kabelo made the decision to delay the release. He chose to pause the launch to completely honor Magesh on what would have been his 50th birthday. The album’s official release date has been shifted to October 30, 2026.
Explaining why he paused his album release, Kabelo said, “There is no coincidence that my album release was located on Magesh’s 50th birthday. But when the love for Magesh started to show itself consistently in the DM’s, it quickly became clear that the album needed to pause a bit, and allow 14 October 2026 to properly honour Magesh and give him his full flowers without distraction.“
