Legendary musician Kabelo Mabalane has found a kindred spirit in ISUZU’s mu-X—a luxury 7-seater SUV that builds on the carmaker’s legacy for a drive that’s resilient, comfortable and ready for any adventure.
ISUZU is a name that’s synonymous with resilience. Their hard-working, hard-wearing cars have been dependable rides for decades, serving up performance, power, and utility in droves. But the carmaker has never rested on its laurels, constantly looking to innovate, iterate, and carve new trail. Proving that you can be fit and in fighting form in any era.
A Perfect Pairing: Kabelo Mabalane and ISUZU
In many ways, teaming up with Kabelo Mabalane is the perfect pairing. The former member of the wave-making kwaito trio of TKZee and successful solo musician has proven that he has some serious staying power. But he’s also shown he’s not someone to sit still. At 46, Mabalane is in the best shape of his life, swapping the “rock-star lifestyle” for a gruelling fitness regimen that’s seen him conquer tarmac and trail with the same relentless energy he brings to the stage. He personifies the concept of “fit at any age,” defying the march of time to find peak performance—even in his forties.
Kabelo’s Journey to Endurance Sports
While the 46-year-old has always had a passion for sport. It was only when he started running to burn off the extra padding—laid thick by an unhealthy lifestyle during his decades-long career—that this passion turned into a way of life. “I started running and one day I woke up and I’d already run 12 Comrades [marathons],” he laughs. “The trick is to keep yourself interested, to keep yourself honest and to keep challenging yourself.”
READ MORE: Kabelo Mabalane’s Inspiring Journey: From Kwaito Sensation to Spiritual Runner
“Move the Nation” and ISUZU’s Support
The tarmac sessions inspired Mabalane to found “Move the Nation,” an organisation intended to encourage people to challenge themselves both physically and mentally by tackling a range of different races around the country. ISUZU sponsors the event, and it’s their vehicles that act as a compass, guiding (and supporting) runners through some of SA’s best routes. “ISUZU is probably the first brand that truly speaks to who I am,” says Mabalane. “Growing up we saw ISUZU bakkies all around us. They just didn’t break down, and most of them are still standing aeons later.”
The ISUZU mu-X: A Perfect Fit for Kabelo’s Lifestyle
The ISUZU mu-X is a luxury 7-seater SUV that builds on this legacy, delivering the same reliability, durability, and performance that guys like Mabalane hold in high esteem. Under the hood, you’ll find a refined 3-litre, turbo-diesel engine that’s fuel efficient but still provides power on tap. But the vehicle’s credentials don’t end there. With a hyperfocus on comfort, you’ll find features—like lumbar support in the vehicle’s softer cushioning—designed to get you to your destination feeling re-energised and ready to tackle your next adventure.
Safety Features and Sleek Styling
A host of intuitive safety features, including parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, and Follow Me Home lights which remain lit while you walk to your home or office, will give you peace of mind whether you’re journeying through the urban sprawl or traversing the countryside. This powerhouse package is wrapped up with sleek styling that manages to strike the balance between electric and elegant. With a busy, multi-faceted lifestyle, one needs to look into a vehicle that is compatible daily. And that’s exactly what the ISUZU mu-X offers. “It is ready for anything,” says Mabalane. “And that’s what I want to channel, too.”
Preparing for the Uncharted: Kabelo’s IRONMAN Challenge and Principles of Resilience
Taking on IRONMAN, which holds the title of being the world’s toughest race, is a bold endeavour. Mabalane is nervous, but he’s going to fall back on the principles that have seen him thrive in the music industry and beyond. “When those principles work for me, for my industry, for sport, for the mu-X, you know they’re something you can rely on,” he adds.
ISUZU has partnered with Mabalane once again for Move The Nation’s #ImpactRun on the 5th of August. The race starts at the Wanderer’s Stadium in Illovo and participants can choose from 5km, 10km, or 21km versions of the route. Head to www.impactrun.net to find out more. Choose your next generation Isuzu mu-X, go to www.isuzu.co.za for more information.
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