'Immortal' Mabalane produces a new hit

KWAITO singer Kabelo Mabalane has weathered many a storm since parachuting into the limelight 16 years ago - and he is still standing!

One of his most turbulent storms was fighting drug addiction, which he eventually defeated.

Mabalane, known as Bouga Luv in the music industry, says he has been clean for eight years now.

After quitting drugs he found solace in God and even went as far as getting a diploma in Bible studies.

"There is no secret to anything, it is all about focus and determination," he says.

Mabalane is continuing with his life story - musically that is - since he has just released a new album aptly titled Immortal Vol 1.

The new album contains a famous single, Amapantsula Ajabulile, which features Professor of Jezebel fame. The track is currently enjoying massive airplay. It seems destined to be a festive season hit.

With the release of ImmortalVol 1 record label owner, singer and songwriter Mabalane breaks down musical barriers, while also validating his importance as one of the country's best kwaito musicians.

"The album is about celebrating life and my 16 years in the music industry. I can't believe that I have been doing this for such a long time. If God allows me I would like to continue entertaining people with good music," he says.

Like fine wine, the album proves that Mabalane matures with time. Immortal Vol 1 is a fusion of many sounds - jazz, kwaito, pop, hip-pop and rock.

The kwaito singer has proven himself both a brilliant storyteller and gifted musician. The lyrics are tight and bewitching.

"As a singer you need to grow. You have to improve your delivery all the time.

"You need to show that you understand your own sound. In this album I continue to expand my horizons, while remaining true to my sound as a kwaito artist. When it comes to my sound I don't limit myself. "

Mabalane says his philosophy is to continue growing and taking on new challenges. In 2006 the singer shocked many when he ran the 86,96km Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

He finished the marathon under 10-hours.

His next challenge comes up in just over a week from now when he will climb one of the highest mountains in South America.

"I like to challenge myself. I am one person who finishes what he starts. Though some of these challenges are difficult, I never quit. People tend to respect and and trust you when you finish what you started," he said.

Mabalane jets off to South America on November 27. He says his first climbing experience was in Austria.

"I will be climbing with a group of guys. It will take us three weeks. Climbing encourages me to know whatever problem I meet in life I can overcome it. We will also be joined by a film crew who will film the whole adventure. We hope to turn it into a reality television show," he says.

We meet the Diepkloof-born singer at Constitution Hill in Hilbrow, Johannesburg, where he is shooting a Shout video that will be released next year.

Apart from his solo musical career, Mabalane is part of Shout, an initiative that was launched last year following the tragic death of South African reggae music legend. Lucky Dube who was killed when thugs hijacked his vehicle.

" Danny K and I founded the initiative. It is a vehicle that is actively mobilising for a peace revolution and giving South Africans a voice to stand up, shout and say enough is enough and no to crime.

"It involves a lot of the country's celebrities," he says.

The singer is also a member of legendary kwaito group TKZee with Zwai Bala and Tokollo Shabalala. The group has released eight albums to date.

As a solo artist, Mabalane has released albums such as Everybody Watching, Rebel With A Cause, And the Beat Goes On, Bouga Luv, Exodus and I'm A King.