5 Of SA’s Best Maskandi Artists That Have Passed On

In the past South Africa has lost a number of Maskanda musicians that contributed greatly in the entertainment industry and in culture. Maskanda is one of the genres that were originally created in SA, most people who admire it are those who believe highly in culture and tradition of any tribe. Maskanda musicians are famous for telling it like it is, at the sound of it one can’t help but dance or laugh.

It is saddening to see South Africa losing its talents… Here is the list of some of the 5 Maskanda artists that we have lost in the past.

Mntshengiseni 

Mtshengiseni also known as Gcwensa died at the age of 39  in 2015. He was born in March 6 1972 in KwaMajozi village in Msinga, north of KwaZulu-Natal. He sang, produced and composed music for four groups and was one of South Africa’s best maskandi musicians. Gcwensa won nine South African Traditional Music Awards, four Amantshontsho ka Maskandi Awards, as well as two Maz Ambassador Maskandi Awards. In 16 years of his career Gcwensa released 25 albums – most of which sold more than 25000 copies each.

Mgqumeni

Mgqumeni died at the age of 27  He was born   eNquthu. The ”Zulu Liyaduma” hitmaker released his fifth album Magic in 2008 and it sold 78 000 copies within a month of its release. He was also the producer and composer of six successful maskandi groups: Amagcokama, Umgqumeni, Ithwasa Lami, Abakwethu, Idlamanzi and Ogezo.

Mfazi Omnyama 

Mfaz Omnyama is known for his hit singles such as “Khula Tshitshi Lami”, Ngisenbenzile Mama and Ngiyashisa Bhe. He was part of a music group called “Izingqungqulu Zomhlaba” which consisted of Phuzekhemisi and Ihashi Elimhlophe and later he pursued a solo career. Mfaz’Omnyama died of pancreatic cancer at age 42 in 2001 and has become even more popular after his death. He left behind a wife and eight children.

Bhekumuzi Luthuli

Bhekumuzi Luthuli really made a name for himself while  he was still alive , he got into the music industry at a younger age and released hits that gained him a number 0f awards. The “1818” hitmaker was born in Kwa-Maphumulo, near the Kwa-Zulu Natal town of Stanger, he started making traditional Zulu music on a home-made guitar.

Lahlumeze

Lahlumenze  whose birth name was Sipho Nxumalo passed away after collapsing at his home in Vosloorusv. He wasnt too much in the spotlight but he made great music. He died in 2016.