Families, friends, fans, peers and well-known figures gathered at Rhema Bible Church North, Hans Schoeman Street, Randburg, Johannesburg to pay final respects to Tokollo ''Magesh'' Tshabalala.
The legendary Kwaito musician passed away on Monday due to an epileptic seizure and his illustrious music career spanned several decades. On Thursday, the Tshabalala family thanked fans, family and friends for their heartfelt condolences.
“As a family we would like to thank everyone for the immense outpouring of love, condolences and well wishes. Tokollo was a son, a brother, a cousin, a mentor, a guardian, and a great artist that inspired many,” read part of the statement.
Among those who paid tribute to him is his friend Kabelo Mabalane. The musician delivered a moving tribute saying they they "lived five lifetimes in the 30 years that he had known him."'
"My life was impacted, the direction of it changed and it was never going to be the same again after I met Tokollo. Music was always the common denominator in our lives. We would fight and we would be the best of friends, but it was always music that connected us," he said.
"Tokollo what a privilege it has, and still is to have been a passenger in a car that you drove to be a catalyst that changed lives," he added.
Kabelo mentioned lyrics he wrote in a song that reminded him of what Magesh taught him.
"It was Magesh that taught me to believe in myself. Magesh saw in me what I didn't see in me for the longest time he saw it in day one. He taught me how to be brave and fearless."
In closing he said “Magesh, we changed the world; we toured the world, we got arrested we fought, we cried, we drove over 200km/h on the highway. We won big and we lost big. We’ve lived five lifetimes in the 30 years that I have known you. Rest in peace. See you when I get there,'' he said
Mfana, we changed the world and impacted a generation. You’ve left an indelible mark.
We are laying you to rest today. We’ve lived easily five lifetimes in the thirty years I’ve known you.
Magesh's sister Kutloano also remembered him as a brother who took his job seriously and was always available.
"You can't describe Tokollo, you just had to experience him. He was just an experience… Tokollo took his job as brother very seriously; he loved everyone and wanted everyone to feel loved."
"Standing here in front of you knowing that my shield isn't going to be here, my own piece of armour, is daunting. But I know that he's always with me."
