Umafikizolo’s Uyocengwa Unyoko Dance Challenge Takes Over Stadiums and Festivals

Spotify has named Umafikizolo among the maskandi stars dominating streaming numbers, and now his new single is proving why. The 24-year-old artist, real name Khethukuthula Mhlongo from Mnambithi in KwaZulu-Natal, has taken the scene by storm with his viral hit Uyocengwa Unyoko.

The track has sparked a dance challenge that is spreading quickly across South Africa. Fans clap hands, move up and down, and share videos of their performances across social platforms. The challenge is no longer limited to homes or small gatherings. Stadiums have become the new stage, with fans dancing before major Premier Soccer League matches.

Umafikizolo told Daily Sun that he is proud of how the song is connecting with people. “I’m happy that people have welcomed my song and they’re dancing to the challenge in many places. What makes me happier is that I’m the one who started the challenge and people are responding well to it,” he said.

He believes the track has the potential to compete for major awards. “I believe this year is my year and I ask to be allowed and not sabotaged to do what I have to do during this time. What I like is that this is my solo song. I didn’t feature anyone and I’m eyeing top awards and competitions with it, including Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka on Ukhozi FM and song of the year in top awards,” he added.

The song’s reach has already gone beyond radio and streaming. On Saturday, 30 August, it was played at Moses Mabhida Stadium before the PSL clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows. Fans danced in unison, turning the stands into a celebration of maskandi culture.

Umafikizolo also performed Uyocengwa Unyoko at the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival at People’s Park in Durban on the same day. The festival is a key platform for artists in the genre, and performing there marked a major milestone for him. “It was my first time performing at the Impucuzeko maskandi festival where all maskandi stars want to perform to prove that they’re stars,” he said.

With streaming numbers climbing, stadiums echoing with his hit, and dance challenges going viral, Umafikizolo is positioning himself as one of the breakout names in maskandi this year. His eyes are firmly set on awards season, but the connection with fans may be his biggest win yet.