Iconic Kwaito record label Kalawa Jazmee’s story to be told in docu-series

By News24.com

The story of iconic Kwaito record label Kalawa Kazmee will be told in an upcoming four-part documentary series scheduled to air on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) in August.

“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,” a press statement reads.

Kalawa (formed by Christor, Don Laka, Sebitlo and Oskido) merged with Jazmee (formed by Trompies members Jakarumba and Eugene along with Mojalefa, Sibiki and Mofokeng) in 1994 to form Kalawa Jazmee Records, which took the country into its golden era of music.

Since its inception, the record label has been home to prolific artists and groups such as Boom Shaka, Mafikizolo, B.O.P, Bongo Maffin, Profesor, Uhuru, Zonke, DJ Zinhle, Black Motion, Busiswa, Vigro Deep and more.

Per the statement, the docu-series, using reenactments from their younger days, will follow the story of how the two labels fought over ownership of hit 90s song Sigiya Ngengoma and its impact on the music industry and culture. It will also take viewers behind the scenes of South African music and transform what they think about the music genre.

Kalawa Jazmee airs its first episode on Sunday, 13 August.

Photo: Mzansi Magic

“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,” M-Net’s local entertainment channels director Shirley Adonisi said. “We are excited about the upcoming show and look forward to sharing the story of this iconic label with viewers.”

Watch Kalawa Jazmee on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) from Sunday, 13 August at 17:00.