The Tale of Kwaito’s iconic record label in Kalawa Jazmee to be uncovered on Mzansi Magic
Kalawa Jazmee is one of Mzansi’s oldest and prominent record labels that have produced an array of legends. Helmed by Oskido, Christos, Don Laka, Sebitlo, and Oskido, and Jazmee formed by Jakarumba, Eugene (both members of the Kwaito group Trompies), Mojalefa, Sibiki and Mofokeng, the music house has been running for 25 years now.
Against the backdrop of the historic organization that is Kalawa Jazmee, Mzansi Magic introduces an exciting upcoming documentary series that will take viewers back in time.
After a fierce rivalry in South African music history, how did two warring sworn enemies become one label? The story of Kalawa Jazmee will explore the rivalry between two of South Africa’s most iconic music labels: Kalawa and Jazmee.
Together, their unconventional ways earned them the title of bad boys, leading to one of the grittiest and most raw music genres of our time. Aside from this, Kwaito’s uncompromising attitude became the voice of the youth, while it also divided society.
Using re-enactments from their younger days, this four-part documentary show will follow the story of how the two labels fought over ownership of the hit song Sigiya Ngengoma that took South Africa by storm in 1994 and the subsequent impact it had on the music industry and culture.
“Throughout its almost three-decade-rich history, Kalawa Jazmee Records has been a major contributor to the South African music industry, pushing the boundaries of sound and culture and producing some of the most iconic songs that have become part of the South African soundscape. We are excited about the upcoming show and look forward to sharing the story of this iconic label with viewers,” says Shirley Adonisi, Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.
Kalawa Jazmee Records has been a key player in the South African music scene since the early 1990s and has been a major force in popularizing Kwaito music. The label has produced some of the most iconic songs that have become part of South African pop culture and has helped shape the music scene in the country in a significant way.