Maskandi Veteran Ihashi Elimhlophe Jumps To The House Genre With New Single “U – Jehovah”

Maskandi Veteran Jumps To The House Genre With New Single “U – Jehovah” – MASKANDI veteran Bheki Ngcobo, prominently known as Ihashi Elimhlophe, is commemorating 44 years in music with his single Jehovah.

The single from his latest album AmaWasaWasa will be released in all digital platforms around Easter.

The musician and guitarist Ihashi explained it was pivotal to commemorate due to the strides that attempted to oppose him but failed.

“The will of God gave me wisdom to release 29 albums since 1976. There are those who wished to be where I am but couldn’t.”

Ihashi said he collaborated with his daughter, TV and radio personality Ntombee Mzolo, who sang the lead on the single.

“The song was composed while we were jamming and I asked her to add vocals. The end result was a comforting song. It’s a reminder that Jehovah is alive and one must feel guilty if one is not cleansed with the blood of Jesus Christ.”

Ihashi revealed it was motivated by God’s Pearl Ministries Church in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, led by his wife Linah Khama, aka Ebony. “Perhaps that’s why my albums have gospel songs. This one has a house element, while retaining my maskandi roots to gel with youth.”

Ihashi dates back in 1976 when they came with other young men to go after a musical career. They established themselves as backing instrument players for mbaqanga group, the Mthembu Queens.

“I was playing lead guitar until we separated. Before I joined Soul Brothers, I released my self-titled album, Ihashi Elimhlophe, on which I worked with Jabu Sibumbe of Stimela,” said Ihashi.

Although his 1986 album Hololo brought him to the limelight and opened many doors. Ihashi travelled the world, played with big names and also opened opportunities for numerous awards.

Born in KwaBiyela, Empangeni in KZN, Ihashi taught to play the guitar at the age of eight. His dad, Mabizwaengane, was one of the village’s best guitarists.