These solo stars now shine the brightest but at some point they mastered the art of teamwork. Here is a list of our faves who started out in mzansi's most popular musical groups:
1. Thembi Seete 🔥
It's been 30 years since Boom Shaka shook the South African music scene with their hit song It's About Time. The groups success lasted over a decade. Apart from the talented four-members, we were introduced to the exceptional rapper Thembi Seete. In 2009 she started her solo career which has since propelled her into superstardom. The Shay'zandla hitmaker is now on TV screens across Africa.
2. Thandiswa Mazwai 👑
Bongo Maffin, the Thathisigubhu award-winning hitmakers performed on stages across the world thanks to their revolutionised sound. After four albums with Bongo Maffin, lead vocalist, Thandiswa went solo and released her album Zabalaza. This propelled her into a household name and she changed the game forever.
3. Kabelo 'Bouga Luv' Mabalane ✊
TKZee was formed in the 90s and has eight albums under their belt as well as multiple awards for their contribution to the Kwaito industry. The Shibobo hitmakers collaborated with some of South Africa's most unique icons, including Bafana Bafana player Benni McCarthy. In 2000, Kabelo went solo and SA welcomed him with open arms revering his hit singles Pantsula For Life, It's My House, and more. Kabelo has since become a man of many vocations, including fitness and becoming a minister.
4. Ntokozo Mbambo ❤
The award-winning gospel star, Ntokozo Mbambo was a member of gospel group Joyous Celebration. She started singing in the group when she was 15 years old, harnessing her vocal skills and touring nationwide. In 2015, she went solo with her first big hit Jehovah Is Your Name and is now a multi-award-winning talent.
5. K.O 😎
Teargas is a musical ensemble that made huge waves when they entered the scene in 2004. The trios hit songs such as Take You Out and Mhlobo Wami served a fusion of Hip Hop, rap, and RnB. K.O. went solo in 2014 and the Seete hitmaker has been making waves ever since then. The rapper was nominated for this years BET awards, in the Best International Act category. He keeps doing SA proud. 🇿🇦
These top class acts prove that working with a dream team has its perks. They achieved great success in these groups and it helped shape them into the solo singers we now love and adore.
Clash of The Choirs South Africa is currently on a nationwide tour to find the best choir in the country with a R1 milion cash prize up for grabs . Find out more on Mzansimagic.tv/cotcsa
Sources: Spotify, Apple Music, Wikipedia, Mail & Guardian