Zwai Bala reflects on TKZee’s ‘Halloween’ album celebrating 25 years since its release

Kwaito group TKzee’s classic album Halloween celebrates its 25th anniversary since its release in 1998. The nine track album is considered their best work and the group’s founding member Zwai Bala has reflected on this millstone in a chat with The Citizen.

“From the moment we completed the album, it was extremely stressful, the process of making it. Stressful in the sense that … pressure [was] coming from the huge success, which was the Phalafala and Shibobo,” Zwai tells The Citizen.

Halloween was released after their resounding success with aforementioned songs, Shibobo in particular was special to most South Africans as it was released after Mzansi’s qualification to the 1998 Fifa World Cup, the ditty featured former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy. Phalafala was an EP they released in 1997, which featured the hit-song with the same name.

“By the time it actually dropped, we were on a shooting trip out in Jamaica. So it dropped while we were away,” averred Zwai.

Album’s longevity

The group and its music is still revered in South Africa and other parts of the world because of the work they put in those many years ago. It’s no surprise when you till this day, one can still hear Mambotjie or We Love This Place booming out of speakers.

Zwai said even the of today’s youth, who were babies or not even born when Halloween came out, love the classic album.

“I remember this one year, about five to six years ago, we performed the album at Zone Six in Diepkloof. And those kids, I mean it was like 19-year-olds and these kids were singing along to our songs.”

“For it to stretch this long is really … I don’t know what you call it. Some people may call it a blessing or whatever. But it’s, it’s extremely humbling. You know, even if moments are hard at times, you know at least, you’ve been part of creating something phenomenal.”

“Halloween was definitely the best work that we put in. We were breaking new ground and even though it wasn’t feeling like it, but we were trying things and they were working, you know,” said Bala.

He said the group was on a roll at the time, that everything they touched turned into gold. You know that roll that Babyface once had. Like anything he just touches, is a hit. R. Kelly also had that, you know, that roll. So we were in the middle of that.”

ALSO READ: Magesh: TKzee’s Number1 Tsotsi remembered a year after his passing

Remembering Magesh

Unfortunately, 45-year-old Magesh passed away in 2022 after an epileptic seizure. Magesh was the son of Orlando Pirate technical director Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala. He remains one of the most respected Kwaito artists because of his lyrical prowess and his unique flow.

“He [Magesh] was on a roll as well. You would listen back to some of the stuff you like, Jesus this guy. And I think the respect will never go away,” Bala said reminiscing on Magesh, whose birthday was last week.

The group TKZee comprised Magesh, Zwai and Kabelo ‘Bouga Luv’ Mabalane. The remaining members have not, really, been close in the last few years, even prior to Magesh’s passing.

“Unfortunately, our relationship – me and Kabelo – hasn’t been tight. In fact, even when we were all still there, wasn’t as tight as it had been in the years. Yeah it’s a bit of a sad one.”

“So sadly, really, that we haven’t really come together. And we haven’t really cried together,” said the singer.

“Yes, we [need] to perform together, it’s very important with a brand like TKZee that we don’t let our personal stuff get in the way of what belongs not only to us anymore but to everyone that loves TKZee. And, we try and respect that as much as we can. Whether we will make any more music is, you know, it’s up to the future.”

A family thing

Season 1 of his family reality TV show The Bala Family, which premiered on Mzansi Magic in April, was a resounding success, with episodes topping the social media trends lists weekly and viewers expressing their eagerness for Season 2.

Zwai announced the establishment of ‘Bala Voices Vocal Hub’.

In collaboration with his sister, Thozama ‘Pinky’ Bala, the project aims to blend their distinct Afro-sound with contemporary influence fused with Gospel. It also focuses on providing opportunities for aspiring singers from South Africa‘s diverse communities.

NOW READ: Bala Voices: Kwaito legend Zwai Bala and his sister’s exciting new venture