Kwaito music icon, Kabelo Mabalane, has announced his comeback after 11 years of absence.
Some may know Kabelo as a teacher, others remember him as Bouga 2 Shoes or Bouga Luv, it doesn’t matter how you remember him, this kwaito pioneer singer is returning to the studio to cook new music after spending many years away from the industry.
This song became popular with the song Chapter 4 Life used Instagram to reveal the news, by posting a video in the studio with other artists including Khaya Mthethwa and JazziQ.
JazziQ, whose birth name is Tumelo Manyoni, is well known for being a piano DJ and music producer, while Khaya in music focuses on faith.
Kabelo in the video he posted, said that although he has been focusing on spreading the Word of God for the past few years, he is not done with music.
“Since the Word was the best but the music was being prepared because planning things is the most important thing.”
In the text accompanying the video, he said that now is the best time for him to come back. I’m back with new music, a new perspective and the same love that started it all. Thank you to everyone who has been asking me and waiting because they believe in me. Soon you will be able to play my music.”
For many music lovers in the country, Kabelo’s return reminds them of the happy times of old. Before becoming a teacher, wellness promoter and positive speaker, he was part of the popular three-member kwaito group TKZee, with Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala and Zwai Bala.
The artists first met while studying at St Stithians College before forming this group, where they used Zwai’s gifted singing skills, Tokollo’s songwriting skills and Kabelo’s confident style, a group was born that captured the hearts of many in the country.
After a promising start, things changed in the space when they released the song Plague in 1997, before TKZee rose to prominence with their critically acclaimed album, theHalloween.
Popular songs includingPlay Mapantsula it isShibobo the ones he did with Benny McCarthy broke sales records and made Kabelo one of the country’s biggest names.
This makes it easier for him to sing independently.
His debut album Everybody Watching it contained the very popular song Chapter 4 Lifebefore having projects likeRebel With A Cause kanye andThe Bouga Luv Album released songs that were very popular with fans, including Shoot kanye andLove Me Or Leave Me Alone.
During that time, the singer won various top awards and became a leading artist in kwaito.
The investigation about him came after the news that he was obsessed with drugs. However, he appeared to be seeking help and getting his life back together.
In 2019, he went public with his vocation to be a pastor which made his life focused on the Word of God, his family and promoting a clean life as he took up running and even competed in the Comrades Marathon.
Now, more than 10 years have passed since he last released new music, Kabelo said he is ready to show fans another side of him that has been shaped by experience, faith and the journey that brought him back to the studio.
Kabelo’s announcement was met with uproar on Intsagram as Rapper @itsyangachief said: “We’ve waited enough.”
Actor @katlegodanke wrote: “Can’t wait.”
Kabelo’s wife, @gail_mabalane said it was off!