17 Nov 2017

If you do not know who is, you may just be too young to have a decent conversation with grown folk about what kwaito music, let alone share the same space with them.

Fans of the legendary South African kwaito group TKZee are set to see them light up the Botswanacraft stage along with Botswana’s very own Han C at the 40th edition of Mascom Live Sessions #SeasonShutDown on December 15.

Speaking in an interview, managing director of BotswanaCraft, Oliver Groth said they were thrilled to be bringing the original TKZee “in the area” to Gaborone, headlined by Tokollo Tshabalala, Kabelo Mabalane and Zwai Bala.

He said the three were legendary musical icons and as such deserved the utmost respect and should be celebrated.

“Mascom Live Sessions were started in 2011 with the aim of partnering local and foreign artistes to share the stage. The idea being that through sharing culture with others, we could develop and create memorable moments of magic and love! Music being the food of love,” he said.

He noted that since 2011, they had hosted numerous legendary foreign and local artistes among them Hugh Masekela, Salif Keita, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Lira, Zahara, Mi Casa, Bhudaza, Louis Mhlanga, Ringo Madlingozi, Freshlyground, Bongo Maffin, Selaelo Selota, Hotstix, and Mafikizolo, the Stampore trio, Kabo Leburu, Socca Moruakgomo, Lister Boleseng, Eugene Jackson, Nono Siile, Ndingo Johwa, Banjo Mosele, Shanti Lo, Samantha Mogwe, Punah Gabasiane, Kearoma Rantao, Mshilo, Nnunu Ramogotsi, Team Distant, A.T.I., Zeus, Culture Spears, MMP Family, Sharon Sibonge, Fresh Les, Mpho Sebina, Gaone Rantlhoiwa, Amantle Brown, Tomeletso Sereetsi & the Natives, John Selolwane, Thabang, Lizibo, Franco andTrinity Mpho.

“Now we are looking forward to hosting TKZee and HAN C for our #SeasonShutDown,” said Groth.

He further indicated that tickets would be available from November 20 at Botswanacraft retailing at P300 each.  

“The tickets are single entry and multi-entry wrist bands are available for P10 inside the venue for those who need to leave and re-enter,” he continued.

He reminded patrons that drinks were not allowed to be brought into the venue and that as Botswanacraft, they reserved the right to search patrons for alcohol, drugs and weapons before entering the venue.

“The show starts promptly at 8pm and for more information please contact events@botswanacraft.bw,” explained Groth.

According to Discography, TKZee is a hugely successful South African kwaito act formed by three school friends.

It said the name TKZee was an acronym of the members’ first names and their debut, a mini-album titled Take it Eezy, was released in 1996 and was considered to be musically ahead of its time.

“Hit singles Palafala and Shibobo followed, the latter featuring guest rapping by former Bafana Bafana and Ajax Amsterdam striker Benni McCarthy and quickly captured the imagination of a kwaito crazy and soccer mad country competing in its first ever Soccer World Cup in 1998,” reads part of the statement from Discography.

The group cleaned up at the 1999 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and finally disbanded in 2001 after having released a compilation album featuring guest artistes from their own TKZ Wrekords label.

At only 22 years old, Hanceford Magapatona known as Han-C in the music scene is undoubtedly one of the purest talents to have come out of Botswana.

His voice is fresh and flawless and his hit song Sedilaka that he did with Chrispin the Drummer and Team Distant is proof of his undoubted talent. He has worked with big names in the music industry including Dr Malinga, DJ Kuchi, Chrispin, Team Distant, Nt Base and late rapper Steez. ENDS