The Intimate Evening Series, a collaboration between Liberty, GRIZA Enterprises and leading local promoter Showtime Management, is designed to usher in each new year with a symphony of hope. The 2025 event features Soul II Soul, performing two concerts as a celebration of reggae, R&B and neo-soul – first in Johannesburg this week at Montecasino’s Outdoor Events Area on 01 February, and then at the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town on 08 February.
British hitmakers Soul II Soul released the classic singles “Keep On Movin’” and the huge hit “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)” – Number one in both the US and the UK in 1989. And making each concert even more memorable will be kwaito kings TKZee. The South African superstars were announced as the support act for the Johannesburg show a couple of weeks ago, and they are now also confirmed for the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden performance, where they will thrill their Cape Town fans.
Band members Tokollo Tshabalala, Kabelo Mabalane and Zwai Bala met at school in the early Nineties and became the biggest-selling kwaito band in South African musical history, developing their sound by incorporating several different genres into their music – kwaito, hip-hop, classical, house and gospel. The result became known as “Guz” music, which quickly became a huge hit with young South African music fans.
TKZee’s haul of five South African Music Awards in one year for their “Halloween” album (1998) was a record that stood for well over a decade. The group split in 2002 to pursue solo careers by reunited for the 2009 album “Coming Home”, going on to be one only six musical acts to represent Africa in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg. After the sudden passing of Tokollo Tshabalala in 2022, his longtime friends and fellow band members Kabelo Mabalane and Zwai Bala continue with the legacy of TKZee.
Montecasino Outdoor Events Area will be set up as a mini festival environment, with plenty of food and beverages are available. Picnic baskets as well as food and beverages may not be brought to the concert venue for this concert. General Admission tickets offer limited unreserved, ad hoc seating, while tickets to the VIP Area cost R1995 each and include access to a raised deck, seating pockets, shade, canapes, a private bar area and a private toilet area.
The Cape Town concert, in the spectacular surroundings of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, is also outdoors, with fans welcome to bring their own blankets and picnics to sit on the lush lawns.
“This unique event takes us on a nostalgic journey through the late ‘80s and ‘90s, an era synonymous with optimism, connection, and the pursuit of dreams,” says Marees Bostander, Head of Brand Strategy and Sponsorships at Liberty. “Liberty is committed to being ‘In It With You’ and many of us have years of shared memories and shared experienced soundtracked by the music of Soul II Soul and TKZee.”
“It’s always a thrill to bring bands who have impacted listener’s lives significantly to South Africa and we are excited to add Soul II Soul to the growing list of headliners for the successful Liberty Presents ‘An Intimate Evening’ concert series – an important part of our partnership with Liberty,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. “And having TKZee back in the spotlight and on the bill for both shows is a wonderful extra facet to the offering as a whole.”
General Admission tickets are on sale at showtime.co.za, webtickets.co.za and Pick ‘n Pay retail stores at a cost of R895. VIP tickets for the Johannesburg show are available at R1995 each. Doors open at 5pm. Don’t miss the DJ partnership of Admiral and Jahseed Di Fireseed (in Johannesburg) followed by TKZee before the legendary Soul II Soul featuring Jazzie B bring nothing but good vibes and timeless grooves to South African audiences.