Rip : Alaska kwaito star Mofokeng has died

The passing of its legend, Thabo Mofokeng who had been ill for some time, has shocked the South African Kwaito group Alaska, which has been rocked by yet another piece of tragic news. The hitmaker first rose to prominence while performing with the well-known Kwaito group Alaska.

Another Mzansi Legend has died, its so hard to believe he was very young.

Alaska hails from the streets of Soweto and was first noticed by one of the best music producers in the country, Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa. TKZee is a South African Kwaito group formed by Tokollo Tshabalala, Kabelo Mabalane, and Zwai Bala, they drove music lovers crazy with their hit Palafala in 1997 and early 1998.

 

 

 

He started his career as a dancer in 1985, under the tutelage of South African musician Sello “Chicco” Twala. He later formed a disco group called MM De Luxe with friend M’du Masilela in 1988. This duo recorded two successful albums in 1989 and 1990 and introduced what came to be known as township kwaito today. His passion for music led Mandla to enroll at Fuba Music School in 1991 to study engineering and piano.

In the 1990s he was producing music for the likes of Chimera, Kamazu, Sayaka, and Fatty Boom Boom better known as Tsekeleke. Known for his unassuming demeanor, Mandla Mofokeng is a founder member of the seminal kwaito group Trompies, which has released several albums, some of which are regarded as classics of the genre. He is also a founder member and co-director of the influential record label Kalawa Jazzmen, which has released many well-known kwaito artists, including Boom Shaka, Bongo Muffin, Alaska, B.O.P (Brothers of Peace), and Thebe. Currently, he sits on the board of directors at Kalawa Jazmee Recording company and is also one of the masterminds of the DCC (Dangerous Combination Crew) production team company. His recent contributions include successful records by Brothers of Peace, Thebe, Bongo Maffin, Alaska, Mafikizolo, Jakarumba, MaWillies and Tokollo, and Kabelo’s solo projects. Most recently, he was one of the award-winning Mafikizolo and Kabelo producers. Mandla ‘Spikiri’s diverse musical talents can be witnessed in projects in which he has worked with artists from other music genres, these include Don Laka, Moses Molelekwa, Bra Hugh Masekela, Vicky Vilakazi, and Hashi Elimhlopheh.