Teargas

Singers/Rappers The South African trio Teargas includes Ntokozo "K.O." Mdlui and brothers Ezee "Ma-E" Hanabe and Bantu "Ntukza" Hanabe.  As proud South Africans, the group assumed its name to transform the tear gas thrown at apartheid-era protesters into a unifying musical tool. They hit the scene riding positive vibes off their 2006 debut K'Shubile K'Bovu. Their 2009 album Dark and Blue promotes messages of partying and perseverance, including the song "Hold On," which urges young people to learn their HIV/AIDS status. Their video "Mhlobo Wami," which was released in 2010, tells stories of love, trust and betrayal in the proud language of their countrymen.