Top 15 Maskandi music artists in 2024 and their top songs
Maskandi music refers to neo-traditional Zulu instrumental music led by an acoustic guitar. Sometimes, Maskandi music artists work with the violin, concertina, and mouth harps. The genre resembles the blues and is deeply rooted in South Africa's musical history. This article reveals old Maskandi artists who pioneered this genre and today's musicians who are preserving and bringing this traditional music back to life.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Best Maskandi music artists in South Africa
- What is Maskandi music?
- Who was the first Maskandi singer?
- Who is the most successful Maskandi artist?
- Who is the Maskandi artist with platinum?
- Who is the biggest Maskandi artist?
- Who is the king of Maskandi?
- Which Maskandi artist is from Nkandla?
- Who are the best female Maskandi music artists?
- Who are the best solo female Maskandi music artists?
- Which Maskandi artist passed away?
- Who are the top 20 Maskandi artists?
- Who are the old Maskandi artists?
The article lists legendary and uprising Maskandi music artists who held or currently have considerable fame and influence in the country. These artists highlight social, economic, religious, political, or any other issue facing South Africa through their songs. Their music also brings out the beauty of the Zulu language.
Best Maskandi music artists in South Africa
Maskandi music artists make Zulu folk songs using acoustic guitar and other traditional musical instruments. This article focuses on the following Maskandi music artists (deceased and alive musicians):
| Rank | Maskandi music artist's name |
| 1. | King Khuba |
| 2. | Ntencane |
| 3. | Juluka |
| 4. | Igcokama Elisha |
| 5. | Mzukulu |
| 6. | Busi Mhlongo |
| 7. | Inkos'yamagcokama |
| 8. | Shiyani Ngcobo |
| 9. | Bhekumuzi Luthuli |
| 10. | Moses Mchunu |
| 11. | John Bhengu |
| 12. | Nokwazi Dlamini |
| 13. | Izingane Zoma |
| 14. | Imithente |
| 15. | Balungile KaNjemboqo Shezi |
The Maskandi music lyrics are grounded and usually speak about an artist's experiences and viewpoints about issues SA encounters. Read more about renowned Maskandi music artists and their top tunes below.
15. Balungile KaNjemboqo Shezi
Source: UGC
- Full name: Balungile KaNjemboqo Shezi
- Year of birth: 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: South Africa
Balungile KaNjemboqo Shezi is among the top upcoming female Maskandi music artists in South Africa. At age 29, she scooped the Best isiXhosa Artist award at the 18th South African Traditional Music Advancement Awards. Balungile is the daughter of the late Maskandi legend Balungile Njemboqo from the Ntsimbini locality in Flagstaff.
Balungile KaNjemboqo's songs
Some of her best songs are:
- Umculo
- Ubaba
- Ukuhleba
- Ingoma kababa
- Emampwondeni
- Noya
- Siyakubonga
- Andisamthembi
- Akelele Ukufa
14. Imithente
Source: UGC
- Members: Simosakhe Mthalane (deceased), Dumisile Manana, Nokwazi Ntuli, and Buselaphi Gxowa
- Origin: Johannesburg
- Year started: 1993
Imithente is an all-female Maskandi music group from Johannesburg. The band's name is derived from a kind of grass that grows in rural KwaZulu Natal. The late guitarist Simosakhe Mthalane formed the band with singers Dumisile Manana, Buselaphi Gxowa, and Nokwazi Ntuli in 1993. All of them are KwaZulu-Natal natives.
Imithente's tracks
Some of the albums this Maskandi female band has produced have attained gold sales in SA and won the SAMA and SATMA awards. Some of Imithente's top tracks are:
- Isidikiselo
- Igaz' Elibabayo
- Vuka Mathambo
- Ichakijani
- Mhlobo Wami
- Washonaphi
- S'yawuvala Umlomo
- Asekhon' Amalahle?
- Uzoyikhona Kanjani
13. Izingane Zoma
Source: UGC
- Members: Thandoluni Phungula, Bongekile Ngobese (deceased), Tholakele Ngobese Busani Khuzwayo, and Shobeni Khuzwayo
- Origin: Johannesburg
- Year started: 1993
Izingane Zoma are among the most famed female Maskandi music artists. The group is from Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, and has enjoyed a string of gold and platinum-level record sales in SA. Almost 30 years after being banned by the public broadcaster for their controversial songs, the Maskandi group is at it again.
Izingane Zoma's songs
The group's politically inspired songs stir hot discussions in the mainstream media. All of their songs are composed by the Khuzwayo brothers - Shobeni and Busani. Shobeni is also their producer/guitarist. Some of Izingane Zoma's best songs are:
- Msholozi
- Mzilikaze kaMashobane
- Obama
- uMalema
12. Nokwazi Dlamini
Source: UGC
- Full name: Nokwazi Dlamini
- Place of birth: South Africa
Nokwazi Dlamini, aka Nokwazi or Kwazi, has been in the South African music scene for over 20 years. Her Zulu culture and tradition have greatly influenced her journey. The female Maskandi artist learned from the best there was and is the industry, including Brenda Fassie, Busi Mhlongo, Mbongeni Ngema, and Stimela.
Nokwazi Dlamini's songs
Kwazi has performed in Paris, London, Germany, and Switzerland alongside Thandiswa Mazwai and Bongo Maffin. Some of her songs are:
- Hayi
- Isegazini
- Khanyisa
- Thanda Wena
- Hamba
- Yakhala Lengane
- Impilo
- Love At 1st Sight
11. John Bhengu
Source: UGC
- Full name: John Bhengu
- Date of birth: 25th March 1930
- Date of death: 18th February 2011
- Age at death: 80 years
- Place of birth: Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal
John Bhengu, aka Phuzushukela or the Sugar Drinker, is among the pioneer Maskandi music artists in South Africa. He began his career with an acoustic guitar, then moved to an electric one.
John Bhengu's top songs
His music created a massive market for Maskanda music in Mzansi and influenced artists such as Johnny Clegg, Busi Mhlongo, and Phuzekhemisi. Some of John Bhengu's best songs are:
- Umakotshaha
- Sehlule Umkhomazi
- Diki Diki
10. Moses Mchunu
Source: UGC
- Full name: Moses Mchunu
- Year of birth: 1953
- Age: 71 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: KwaZulu-Natal
Moses Mchunu is well known for his hit tune, Qhwayilahle. The track was featured in Indestructible Beat of Soweto, an album released in 1985. He was one of the leading vocalists in the Zulu jive style in the 1980s and 1970s.
Moses Mchunu's songs
Some of his hits are:
- Qhwayilahle
- Babulala Umuzi Ka Baba
- Zophela I'mpondo Zenyanga
- Umona Usuka Esweni
- Impi Yomgangela
- Nginjenje Njena
- Hambani Niyokweshela
9. Bhekumuzi Luthuli
Source: UGC
- Full name: Bhekumuzi Luthuli
- Date of birth: 13th July 1961
- Date of death: 7th April 2010
- Age at death: 48 years
- Place of birth: KwaZulu-Natal
As a young lad, Bhekumuzi Luthuli began making traditional Zulu music using a homemade guitar. In the 1980s, he was affiliated with the Mbaqanga band called Oshimi. He later embarked on a solo career and released nineteen albums before his demise.
Bhekumuzi Luthuli's songs
Some of his hits are:
- Bengikwethemba
- Imilanjwana
- Emateksini
- Sokukhumbula
- Kubuhlungu
- Awungisize
- Umona
8. Shiyani Ngcobo
Source: UGC
- Full name: Shiyani Ngcobo
- Year of birth: 1953
- Year of demise: 2011
- Age at death: 58 years
- Place of birth: Umzinto
Many consider Shiyani Ngcobo the best Maskandi artist of all time. Besides being an artist, he was a teacher at the School of Music of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His songs portrayed the life of a Zulu migrant worker. They featured themes such as loss, broken families, and masculinity.
Shiyani Ngcobo's songs
Some of his hit tracks are:
- Ijadu
- Yekanini
- Ngisizeni
- Akwehlanga
- Sevelina
- Akwehlanga Lungehlanga
- Udadewetha
7. Inkos'yamagcokama
Source: UGC
- Full name: Scebi Dlamini
- Place of birth: South Africa
Scebi Dlamini, alias Inkos'yamagcokama, has contributed to the growing popularity of Maskandi music. One of his most-loved songs, Dear Diary, is considered a national favorite.
Scebi Dlamini's songs
Some of his hits are:
- Akabuye
- Uyanginyathela
- Akuhlukaneki
- Ngixolele
- Mina Ngithathiwe
- Yini Ungashongo
- Ukwenza Kuyashiyana
6. Busi Mhlongo
Source: UGC
- Full name: Victoria Busisiwe Mhlongo
- Date of birth: 28th October 1947
- Date of demise: 15th June 2010
- Age at death: 62 years
- Place of birth: Inanda
Busi Mhlongo was a singer, composer, and dancer. She was born into a musically inclined family. The Grammy nominee is the talent behind the albums Amakholwa and Freedom. She is considered one of the best female Maskandi music artists ever.
Busi Mhlongo's songs
Some of her hit tracks are:
- Yeshlisan'Umoya Ma-Africa
- We Baba
- Uganga Nge Ngane
- Ntandane
- Tingi-Tingi
- Khula Tshitshi Lami
- Yaphel'Imali Yami
5. Mzukulu
Source: UGC
- Full name: Sfanele Dumisani Zulu
- Place of birth: Engeza
Sfanele Dumisani Zulu, alias Mzukulu, is famous for his magical and liberating voice. He is the son of the late Mzansi performers Phumangelakhe and Thuleleni (Ma-Hlela) Buthelezi.
Mzukulu's songs
Some of his top Maskandi songs are:
- Isoka
- Mabili Amaxoki
- Sukuma mkami bakubone
- Ama-Ex
- Makabahle
- Sabathile
- Injabulo yamanga
4. Igcokama Elisha
Source: UGC
- Full name: Mthandeni Manqele
- Year of birth: 1988
- Age: 36 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Mdletsheni, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal
Mthandeni Manqele, alias Igcokama Elisha, is among today's most mentioned Maskandi music artists' names among Zulu traditional music lovers. His fans call him the president of Red Nation.
Igcokama Elisha's songs
The Maskandi singer/guitarist has released several hits, including:
- Ismolomolo
- Waphafa gogo
- Amageja
- Phansi kwesdwaba
- Uthatha amashansi
- Phola mdokwe
- Ushefa isbumbu
3. Juluka
Source: UGC
- Members: Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu
- Origin: Johannesburg
- Year started: 1969
Juluka was a band made of Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu, and the name means sweat in Zulu. A bull owned by Mchunu inspired the name.
Juluka's songs
The band was against apartheid, and some of its hit tracks were:
- Umbaqanga Music
- Two Humans on the Run
- Zodwa
- I Jwanasibeki
- Sonqoba
- Scatterlings of Africa
- Kwela Man
2. Ntencane
Source: UGC
- Full name: Senzo Ntencane Zondi
- Place of birth: KwaZulu-Natal
Senzo Ntencane Zondi, alias Ntencane, is a talented South African music artist and songwriter. He has released many songs so far. His Uboya Enkomeni album is one of his best projects.
Ntencane's songs
Some of his hit tunes are:
- BayangiSabawela
- Wawuthembeni
- Nguye Lo
- Ayivalwe
- Lamula Mngoma
- Isigqila Sothando
- Nhloboni Yothando
1. King Khuba
Source: UGC
- Full name: Khuzani Nkosikhona Innocent Mpungose
- Date of birth: 3rd December 1989
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Nkandla village, Mathata
Maskandi singer and songwriter King Khuba is known for his hit song Isixaxa Samaxoki. Fans also call him Ndlam'lenze Khuba Mgodi or the King of Maskandi.
King Khuba's songs
The Maskandi artist has released several successful albums, and some of his hit tunes are:
- Bengingazi
- Ngeke Ngihleke
- Mama Ka Nomzamo
- Isatanist
- Thembelihle
- Kungani
What is Maskandi music?
Maskandi is Zulu folk music associated with black migrant workers in South Africa. Most Maskandi musicians sing in the Zulu language to promote their culture and preserve traditional music for future generations.
Who was the first Maskandi singer?
John Bhengu, aka Phuzushukela, or the Sugar Drinker, is among the earliest Maskandi artists in South Africa.
Who is the most successful Maskandi artist?
Khuzani Mpungose is considered the most successful Maskandi artist in South Africa. He uses music to spread love and has achieved feats that his industry peers can only dream of.
Who is the Maskandi artist with platinum?
Khuzani "King Khuba" Mpungose is a Platinum-selling Maskandi artist. He is also a SAMA winner.
Who is the biggest Maskandi artist?
King Khuba is arguably the most famous Maskandi music artists of the 21st generation. Some of his top tracks are Isixaxa Samaxoki, Bengingazi, and Kungani.
Who is the king of Maskandi?
Fans call Khuzani Mpungose nickname the King of Maskandi. The most sought-after Maskandi musician is famous for his song Isixaxa Samaxoki.
Which Maskandi artist is from Nkandla?
Khuzani "King Khuba" Mpungose and the late John Bhengu were born in Nkandla, a town in the uThungulu district of KwaZulu-Natal. Nkandla is mainly a rural area and one of KwaZulu-Natal province's top five poorest places.
Who are the best female Maskandi music artists?
Some of the top female Maskandi music groups in South Africa are:
- Imithente
- Umlami Wam
- Amatshitshi Amhlophe
- Ubuhle Bezintombi
- Izingane Zoma
Who are the best solo female Maskandi music artists?
Some of the uprising solo female Maskandi music artists are:
- Balungile KaNjemboqo Shezi
- Ester Sibanda, aka Intombi Yabelungu
- Busisiwe Piyose, aka Nosabe
- Dr. Buselaphi
- Nokwazi Dlamini, aka Kwazi
Which Maskandi artist passed away?
Some of the best Maskandi artists of all time who are now dead are:
- Bhekumuzi Luthuli
- Khumbulani Kubheka
- Busi Mhlongo
- Shiyani Ngcobo
- John Bhengu
- Balungile Njemboqo
- Mtshengiseni “Ndidane” Gcwensa
- Mfaz Omnyama
- Lahlumenze
- Simosakhe Mthalane
- Sibongiseni "Ichalaha" Ngubane
- Khulekani Mgqumeni "Kwakhe" Khumalo
Who are the top 20 Maskandi artists?
The 20 well-known male and female Maskandi music artists' names are:
- King Khuba
- Ntencane
- Juluka
- Igcokama Elisha
- Mzukulu
- Busi Mhlongo
- Inkos'yamagcokama
- Shiyani Ngcobo
- Bhekumuzi Luthuli
- Moses Mchunu
- John Bhengu
- Nokwazi "Kwazi" Dlamini
- Izingane Zoma
- Imithente
- Balungile KaNjemboqo Shezi
- Sibongiseni "Ichalaha" Ngubane
- Khulekani Mgqumeni "Kwakhe" Khumalo
- Mtshengiseni “Ndidane” Gcwensa
- Mfaz Omnyama
- Lahlumenze
Who are the old Maskandi artists?
Nokwazi Dlamini (aka Nokwazi or Kwazi), Izingane Zoma, and Imithente are among the few old Maskandi artists still active in the industry. Most are retired or dead.
Maskandi music artists release songs about their life experiences and perspectives. Their music is often characterized by Zulu lyrics and playing an acoustic guitar.
Briefly.co.za listed other famous South African musicians. These entertainers have helped SA's music industry to grow tremendously over the last decade.
Most of these young and seasoned artists have been in the industry for decades. They are internationally known for releasing quality and catchy music.
Source: Briefly News
Priscillah Mueni (Lifestyle writer) Priscillah Mueni is a lifestyle and entertainment content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019. In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019. Email: pshmueni@gmail.com
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
