Tribute to TK – Sultry, soulful and sure.
Editorista “SJ” remembers the soulful lady “TK”:
At about 4pm on Monday afternoon my phone buzzed with a message that was to alter my mood for a few days and nights… “CAN YOU BELIEVE IT, TK WAS FOUND DEAD IN A HOTEL ROOM TODAY!” I didn’t even have to wonder which TK the SMS referred to as there was only one TK in my world and that was the feisty 27 year old songstress Tsakani …
“TK” Mhinga.
I was lucky enough to work with TK on numerous occasions, as were many of my friends, all of whom are utterly devastated to hear about her tragic death. Her voice, performance and talent were integral to some of the best events work I have ever been party to – TK shone on stage and had an unforgettable confidence and sultry style.
Sadly though, the last time I worked with her, which was more than a year ago, she seemed to have lost some kind of sparkle and shine, almost as if she had reached a ceiling in her performance life that she just didn’t have the effort or energy to break through. She was late, distant and a little disinterested in her performance (which was rare, no matter how exhaused she was!), but as soon as the music started and I had coaxed her to her opening position, the star in her just took over… the mic was hers, the room was hers, the night was hers -she was sure. TK set the tone for an event that would later be praised as the “Party of the year” and win the highest of awards. I will never forget that moment. I will never forget TK.
There is so much to be said about how and why TK died and as the official statements around her death are released we hope that the truth will out.
Her memorial service is on Friday:
Public Memorial Service @ Mega Music in Newtown Friday 3 March 2006 12:00
TK’s Funeral Service:
Saturday 4 March 2006 09:30 Catholic Church Epsom Downs (Next to Nando’s) William Nicol Drive & Sloane Street – part of the Brescia House School grounds.
The funeral procession will depart from here to the final burial place in Fourways.
For more on TK’s death click here for the Sowetan article.
To TK’s family especially her little boy Oratile, we wish them strength and peace of mind during what must be one of the hardest times of their lives. Know that we are all blessed for having shared time and space with undoubtedly one of the best female vocalists in South Africa.
To TK, as a close friend of yours put it, we know that right now you’re singing with the Angels but your voice will stay with us forever.
PIC of the Star newspaper headlines on Tues 28 Feb 2006
