Moskito - Idolar

Moskito began in the township of Tembisa in 2001, originally as a pantsula dance crew formed by Mahlubi “Shadow” Radebe and the late Zwelakhe “Malemon” Mtshali. Their shift to music marked the start of a remarkable journey into the heart of South African kwaito. Joined by friends Patrick Lwane and Menzi Dlodlo, the group honed their sound on street corners, recording early demos with just two cassette decks and a fierce creative spirit.

Their raw energy caught the attention of Tammy Music, who signed them for their debut album Idolar. Released the same year, it achieved gold status, selling over 25,000 copies and earning a loyal following across southern Africa. Produced with the help of kwaito legends like Thami Mdluli and Percy Mudau, Idolar balanced township grit with polished studio craft. Moskito’s sound blended homegrown inspiration—Trompies, Mandoza, Arthur Mafokate—with West Coast hip-hop, creating a style that was proudly local and globally aware.