Ihashi has new mission
TO UNVEIL NEW MASKANDI STARS
MASKANDI legend Ihashi Elimhlophe, one of South Africa’s most loved maskandi musicians, is on a noble mission as he celebrates 40 years in music.
After 28 albums and 11 awards under his belt, Ihashi wants to give back to the community to say “thank you for the support”.
He was born Bheki Ngcobo at Obuka village, Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Through an initiative he calls Ihashi Movement, Ihashi is looking to mentor a group of promising young musicians whose dream is to become maskandi stars.
The concept will be launched officially on November 12 in Empangeni.
The auditions, however, start on September 17 at Durban BAT Centre, then move to Msinga’s Tugela Ferry two days later. On September 20, it’s Nkandla’s turn.
The 57-year-old seeks to take the young people under his wing for three years, touring and performing with them as he prepares them for their own individual careers.
“As someone who has been in the industry for many years, it was time to give back to the community to create a legacy that will live on,” Ihashi explains his initiative. Apart from performance and songwriting, he will also teach his group of protege about the business of music. This will include management, marketing and brand building. About the latter, Ihashi has done very well for himself, mainly through a clean-cut lifestyle. Also spurred on by strong family values, Ihashi is today a towering figure in SA music across the board. “They need to know that you do not chase fame but it chases you when you work hard and be humble at all times. Like me, I was never driven by fame. I always wanted to play music and be good at it.” The maskandi superstar believes he was fortunate to have met the right people when he came to Johannesburg.
He learned a lot about the music industry while working with mgqashiyo group, Mthembu Queens, which was founded by the late Henceforth Mthembu.
“I remember that Bab’uMthembu was very strict and he taught us all the tricks to survive in Johannesburg. We learned to be punctual when booked for performances.”
Those lessons should explain why Ihashi remains relevant after all these years.
A master of his own genre, he can infuse jazz, reggae and gospel music into his maskandi way. His other strategy for longevity has been the ability to allow his sound to evolve through collaborations with other musicians, young and old.
He has recorded with musicians such as Boom Shaka, Oskido, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, SABC Choir, Zola and Dream Team.
“Collaborating has made me grow as a musician. I have learned that my music need to cater for both young and old.”
He has performed extensively in Africa and around world, in places such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Spain, Mexico, Benin, India and China.
Ihashi recently released his 28th album, titled