The OGs of kwaito are back: Trompies cooking up a new EP

If you felt your heart skip a beat when you saw Trompies trending online, you weren’t alone.

The iconic kwaito group is officially back in the studio - and yes, there’s a brand-new EP on the way. For many South Africans, the news felt like a warm reunion with old friends. 

The group’s Mandla "Spikiri" Mofokeng recently teased fans with a video of Trompies in the studio, captioned: “New Trompies EP cooking." 

Since then, more clips have surfaced across social media showing the crew vibing in studio sessions, instantly sparking a wave of excitement among fans hungry for fresh sounds. 

Let’s pause for a moment. If you’re wondering who Trompies are and why this comeback is such a big deal, let us bring you up to speed. 

Formed in 1994 in Soweto, Trompies was one of the earliest and most influential Kwaito groups in SA.

Kwaito, often described as the sound of post-apartheid youth culture, found its true voice through groups like Trompies. They weren’t just making music - they were shaping an era. 

The original line-up included Mofokeng, Eugene "Donald Duck" Mthethwa, Jairus "Jakarumba" Nkwe, Zynne "Mahoota" Sibika and Emmanuel “Mjokes” Matsane. Tragically, Matsane passed away in May 2021 following a car accident after a performance in Soweto. 

Despite the loss, the group has continued to honour his legacy and remains active in the music scene. 

Trompies burst onto the scene with their 1995 debut album “Sigiya Ngengoma", which sold over half a million copies and cemented their place in Kwaito history.

With infectious beats, authentic township stories and their signature isiPantsula aesthetic - a cultural dance and fashion movement - Trompies didn’t just make hits, they created a lifestyle. 

Beyond their music, the group has also been instrumental behind the scenes.

Through their work with Kalawa Jazmee Records, they’ve helped discover, develop and manage some of SA’s most successful acts.

Their tenth studio album, “Delicious”, which was released in  2014, not only kept the groove going but also earned them nominations at the South African Music Awards (Samas) and the 2021 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards. 

Now, after decades of defining and redefining the sound of the streets, Trompies are cooking up something new - and fans are wondering: will it tap into the current wave of Amapiano or the fast-rising 3-Step sound?

While the group hasn’t confirmed the sonic direction of the new project, one thing’s for sure: whatever they drop will come with the same authenticity, energy and pantsula swagger they’ve always been known for. 

So while we wait, now’s the perfect time to dust off those Chuck Taylor All-Stars, pull out your best pantsula moves and prepare for a fresh dose of Trompies' magic. The legends are back - and the groove never left.