Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala, one-third of South Africa’s entertainment industry’s iconic Kwaito group TKZee and the son of Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala, died on Monday. He was only 45 years old. Read on to know how did Tokollo Tshabalala die and his cause of death.
Tokollo was the skillful lyricist of the group who has been entertaining the audience for a very long time. His family announced the heartbreaking news of his passing to the media outlet TshisaLIVE.
How did Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala Die?
Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala died in the morning on Monday, August 15, 2024, at his home. The musician died from an epileptic seizure as per the statement from his family. He reportedly passed away in his sleep and the family discovered the body in the morning.
“It is with great sadness that the family wishes to confirm the passing of Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala.
Magesh, as he was affectionately known, passed away this morning as a result of an epileptic seizure,” the statement reads.
“The family requests for privacy during this difficult period.
“All details pertaining to his memorial and funeral service will be shared in due course,” it continues.
What was Tokollo Tshabalala’s Cause of Death?
Tokollo Tshabalala suffered from Epilepsy, a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes seizures, periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.
Tokollo, Tshabalala, lovingly called Magesh, passed away after having an epileptic seizure in his sleep. His family confirmed to City Press that “no visible injuries can be seen on his body, he was just lying in bed.”
Tshabalala’s body was transported to a forensic pathology lab for further tests to determine the cause of death. The family believes that he passed away due to an epileptic seizure he suffered in his sleep.
Tokollo Tshabalala Early Life and Music Career
Tokollo Tshabalala was a South African Kwaito musician born on October 14, 1976, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the son of former Kaizer Chiefs player and Orlando Pirates Football Club coach Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
Tokollo was lovingly called “Magesh” by his family, friends, and fans. He attended St. Stithians College and started his career as part of M’du Masilela’s group, Mashamplani, in 1995. He later formed TKZee with his high school friends Kabelo Mabalane and Zwai Bala.
The Kwaito trio made waves after the dawn of democracy in South Africa when their first full album “Halloween” proved to be a huge hit. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of SA. It sold over 200,000 copies.
The album also earned TKZee four awards at the South Africa Music Awards for Best Kwaito Album, Best Duo/Group, Best Single, and Best Kwaito Single. Magesh has also won a SAMA Award and holds around 15 albums to his name.
All In One, The Longest Time, Waarheid Is’Kathi, and Heist are some of his most notable albums. He co-owns Heist Entertainment which released the album Heist in 2014. He once revealed that “Heist” simply means “He is Tokollo.”
Magesh revealed in an interview that it was challenging for the group to gain recognition as their debut song didn’t do well. However, they were thrilled upon hearing the sound “Phalafala” on the radio and had confidence in their abilities.
In 2001, Magesh became the suspect in the death of two people in an automobile accident in Botswana. However, he was acquitted of all the charges in 2008. “For seven entire years, I carried a “monkey on my back,” he once said about the incident.
Orlando Pirates FC Pay Tribute to Tokollo Tshabalala
Ever since the news of Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala’s untimely passing emerged, fans and people from the music industry have been paying respect to the deceased and remembering him for his legendary work.
Orlando Pirates Football Club has also paid tribute to Magesh. His father Stanley Tshabalala is the director of the football club.
“We convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Tshabalala family and pledge our profound moral support,” their press statement read. “We supplicate that God gives the family fortitude at this moment of extreme grief and pain.”
Tokollo ?
May his soul rest in Peace .@tkzeeband @bennimccarthy17 @ZwaiBala @KabeloMabalane— Kenneth (@SKmtshali) August 15, 2024
Chad Saaiman, the Capetown-based singer/songwriter, has also paid respect to Magesh. “RIP Magesh 💫 Another legendary artist has left us,” he wrote on Twitter.
Our heart goes out to the rapper’s family. May God let the departed soul rest in peace. The world will always remember his work as a skillful lyricist.
This article was originally posted on bareillycollege.org
