The 1990s Bubble-gum pop music legends group Dalom Kids has reunited both new and old members to reclaim the spotlight.
Sylivia Tshanda is the producer, composer, and the wife of the late Dalom Kids founder, Daniel Ndivhiseni Tshanda, also known as Dan Tshanda.
The powerhouse behind the legend has revived Dalom Kids with new members, b. But the old sound that was popular in the 1990s remains undiluted.
They make a solid comeback with new music, which earned a nomination at the 2025 South African Music Awards.
Pioneer of Bubble-gum music
Dan Tshanda was the pioneer of Bubble-gum pop music and formed Dalom Kids in 1989. At their peak, they travelled abroad and performed on international stages.
But in the 2000s their star dimmed, and they struggled to stay relevant or secure bookings.
On January 5, 2019 Tshanda died from what is believed to have been heart failure, after he complained of chest pains. This impacted the group’s performance, creativity, and popularity.
Tshanda’s wife Sylvia has taken over the reins and refuses to let his legacy go to waste. She is reviving his legacy by incorporating their 1990s sound with new school music.
“I was motivated because we did a remake of the song Keneilwe with Master KG and Nokosazana Daughter, which my husband had released many moons ago,” Sylvia said.
“It became really popular, and the gateway to exploring a serious comeback for the group.”
New chapter
Dalom Kids originally included group members Patronella Rampous, who has since died. Sthembile Zungu and Jacqueline Rotwane retired from singing.
The current members of Dalom Kids consist of CEO and composer Sylvia Tshanda (49), Montana Mhlongo (50), and new younger members Andisiwe Jwili (30), and Hlalayedwa Phikiswa (29).
“We had to mix both the old and new, so we got a taste of both generations,” Sylvia told Sunday World.
“But we are back.”
Their latest single is titled Simkhuzile and is a remake of Tshanda’s hit Awulaleli. They have worked alongside Lowsheen, HarryCane, and Charlotte Lyf to create a new sound.
The group is nominated for the Best Afro Pop Album category for their album Collaborations With Friends at the SAMAs.
“This is a big deal for us. Not everyone gets a second chance in the music business.”
Keeping the legacy alive
While away from the limelight, they struggled to secure bookings and were just surviving.
“We were doing okay, not great, and had kept our loyal supporters. The group’s popularity and financial success were not quite at the level of their prime years,” Sylvia said.
“The resurgence through new collaborations has brought a wave of renewed interest.”
Sylvia said she has worked tirelessly to ensure her late husband’s legacy does not perish. They are in the process of shooting the legend’s life story in a documentary.
