‘Mjikijelwa’ helped to put maskandi music on the map
Award-winning music star cared for other people
Born: September 17 1983 Died: May 25 Funeral: Tomorrow at KwaJikijiki, Maphumulo, north of Durban, from 9am
Burial: At the local cemetery
Award-winning maskandi star Sibongiseni Mjikijelwa Ngubane was a stylish artist.
A protégé of the late Kwakhe “Mgqumeni” Khumalo, he died last week after a short illness.
Ngubane was known as “Ichalaha likashafuza” in the maskandi music industry.
The popular artist, who developed the love of maskandi music from a young age, is among the people who introduced high-fashion, maskandi and elegancy.
After passing his matric in Johannesburg, he opted for music. He once told this paper that his parents wanted him to further his education because he was good academically, but instead he chose music.
“I always knew that I wanted to be a maskandi singer. Even when I passed my matric with flying colours, my mind was still in music,” he told Sowetan at the time.
When Khumalo founded a musical group called Amagcokama Amahle with the late Mtshengiseni Gcwensa, Ngubane was their backing singer and dancer. He was featured on the group’s debut album titled Iyothi Bhunxe.
Since then, he never stopped working with Khumalo, who he pointed out taught him to sing, compose and produce music and play guitar.
Family member and spokeswoman Thembi Ngubane said Ngubane will be remembered for his love of maskandi music.
“He used to organise Ingoma sessions on Christmas Day where young people will compete. As much as he came from a big family, he took care of all the family members and sent many kids to varsities. He cared a lot about other people’s wellbeing,” Thembi said.
In 2009, Ngubane stepped out of the shadow of Khumalo and pursued his solo career. He founded groups such as Mjikijelwa, Amangcukumane, Omenzelwa and Ichalaha likaShafuza.
He composed, sung and produced music of the four groups which were signed under his label Mjikijelwa Music Production.
In his career, he has produced about 18 albums and two DVDs, with a string of awards under his belt.
Under his label he has produced young musicians such as Phiwa Manqele, Nhlanhla Mseleku, Amafikalishona, Indodakazi YeNtandane and Mpilo Mkhwanazi.
Last year, he travelled to Holland with a group called Ondabuzekwayo, which comprised himself, Ali Mgube and Mthandeni Manqele.
Ngubane is survived by his mother, father, eight siblings, two wives and many kids.
The service starts at home at 9am and he will be buried in the family cemetery around 3pm.