WeeklySA_AdminSENTIMENTAL: Kabelo Mabalane brings three decades of hits and his new “Street Psalms” sound to Montecasino for two nights celebrating music, faith and a career that continues to evolve…
By WSAM Reporter
Kabelo “Bouga Luv” Mabalane is bringing his latest musical chapter to the stage, with two Johannesburg concerts celebrating his 50th birthday milestone, 30 years in music and the sound of his new album, For King and Country.
Presented in an exclusive partnership with Kaya 959, the shows take place at the Teatro at Montecasino on December 15 and 16. They will mark the first live performances of the new album, alongside songs drawn from a career that has helped shape South Africa’s musical landscape.
For an artist whose journey stretches from the energy of kwaito to music informed by his faith, the concerts offer an opportunity to connect the different chapters of his life.
Mabalane will be backed by a 16-piece ensemble, with strings and choral elements adding texture to a repertoire spanning generations. Organisers have also promised special surprises during the two-night engagement.
At the heart of the new work is a sound Mabalane calls “Street Psalms” — a meeting of street culture and spiritual expression that reflects his growth as a musician and minister.
“As for the new sound, it’s been crafted differently. It carries a certain wisdom that comes from where creativity, spirituality and art meet. So, it hits different,” he says.
For Mabalane, also known as Bouga 2 Shoes, that evolution begins with honesty.
“Making music from an authentic place changes everything. When the music comes from somewhere real, people can feel it.”
KWAITO TO STREET PSALMS
Mabalane rose to prominence as a founding member of TKZee, the kwaito trio associated with hits such as “Shibobo”, before establishing a successful solo career. His achievements include multiple South African Music Awards and multi-platinum albums.
Beyond recording and performing, he has become an author, television presenter, Comrades Marathon finisher and ordained minister. For King and Country, his 10th studio album, brings his musical and spiritual journeys into the same creative space.
According to the organisers, fans have been asking for a full live showcase since the project was announced in June. The December concerts answer that call while placing the new material alongside the songs that established his connection with audiences.
For Kaya 959, the partnership centres on that relationship between an artist and listeners who have grown with him.
“Kabelo’s journey is woven into the soundtrack of South African life. His 30 years in music speak to the power of staying curious, evolving with your audience and continuing to create work that means something,” says Tumi Rabanye, the station’s head of marketing.
The concerts will give audiences a chance to revisit familiar favourites while hearing where Mabalane’s music is taking him next — with the second performance falling on the Day of Reconciliation.
Both shows begin at 19:00 and run for 90 minutes. Tickets cost R360 to R690 and are available through Webtickets. Under-16s must be supervised.
