Umkhosi: The return of the Maskandi king

AFTER a successful five-year stint in South Africa where he has performed with the likes of Nothi Ntuli a member of Thokozani Langa band, Bhamuza, Khehla Nkosi who is Bonakele’s bass guitarist and Zimbabwean artistes like Zinja Ziyamluma, Abafana bakaGodlwayo and Impumelelo Shining stars who recently rebranded, maskandi sensation Mkhululi “Umkhosi” Ndlovu has returned home to raise the appreciation of maskandi in Zimbabwe.

Umkhosi, who says he was inspired by the likes of Lovemore Majaivana, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Phuzekhemisi and Ihashi Elimhlophe one of the successful artistes in the category of traditional music in Africa said he is set to drop his third album entilted Umtshado Wephepha (Court Wedding).

The album was recorded in one of South Africa’s top recording companies, 2088 Studios in Johannesburg and will be dropped at the beginning of April. A nominee at last year’s inaugural Skyz Metro FM Awards for his song Zagobhoza Inyembezi said he was happy that he is fulfilling his objective that made him leave Nkayi where he was raised under the care of Chief Madliwa.

“I first relocated to Bulawayo around 2010 with the purpose of recording my debut album. I found a job at Berkshire/ZimHosery Company which deals with making socks. While working at Berkshire, I also did a course in motor mechanic, “he said.

However, Umkhosi failed to record his debut album in the City of Kings as he relocated to South Africa in 2012 to record his debut album as the “Nelson Mandela” nation massively appreciates the maskandi genre. He said his passion for the genre began when he was a child as he was used to singing imbube with his friends at school and in organised village ceremonies.

“I was born to sing. I am one artiste who believes in his voice. I trust myself that I can change the face of maskandi in the city of royalty. During my school days, I used to sing in front of big ceremonies and in churches. People really loved my voice and that always encouraged me to take music as a profession. At school I created an imbube group that was known for delivering show-stopper performances. All this activeness was for me to reach my goal of being a renowned recording artiste,” he said.