By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The funeral service for kwaito legend Tokollo ‘Magesh’ Tshabalala was held at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg, Johannesburg on Friday morning.
Tshabalala died Monday from an epileptic seizure. He developed epileptic seizures from a severe brain injury sustained in his 2001 car accident.
The funeral service started with a musical item from the Orlando Pirates Football Club choir before the family entered the church to TKZee’s Shibobo.
High-profile guests who attended the funeral included, among others, Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza, Kaizer Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung Snr, Pitso Mosimane, Oskido, Loyiso Bala and Penny Lebyane.
Fellow TKZee members Kabelo Mabalane and Zwai Bala were the first to speak.
An emotional Mabalane said while they had “drifted apart in the last few years,” they performed together three weeks ago in Mpumalanga. The friendship between the two started in high school and led to their first attempt at making music together as 2-Slice.
“Tokollo, what a privilege it has been to be a passenger in the car you drove,” he said during the funeral service. Mabalane added that in their years of friendship, Tshabalala taught him how to believe in himself and be brave and fearless.
Fellow TKZeee member Bala sang a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s My Way.
Lucky Ramapete, who knew Tshabalala for more than 10 years, said their friendship had developed into a brotherhood. He added that Tshabalala was humble, had a big heart, unconditional love, wisdom and a sense of humour.
Tshabalala’s youngest sister, Kutloano, said despite it being “surreal” that she was speaking at her brother’s funeral, she could describe him in three words – a brother, a character and a shield.
She said Tshabalala took the role of an older brother seriously, adding that he was also a colourful character who was both her protector and shield. She further said having to continue without her brother was “daunting”.
“When we fought, we fought, and when we loved, we loved.”
In their message to their son, Tshabalala’s parents, Stanley and Hendrietta, said their son’s sudden death caused them to pause.
Stanley reflected on how pleased he was when Tshabalala expressed interest in pursuing engineering as a career, then marketing and “before he knew it”, started listening to songs and beats. He also extended his gratitude to Kwaito heavyweight Mdu Masilela for helping him to understand.
“You left us beautiful memories,” his parents said in their tribute, read by programmer director Dr Victor Ramathesele. “You’re going to make a beautiful angel.”
Tshabalala was laid to rest at the Westpark Cemetery. His memorial service will follow on 24 August at 2pm at St Stithians Chapel in Sandton.
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Video Courtesy of ENCA.