Photo by Jabulani Langa
LEGENDARY maskandi singer Nkunziyembongolo is still going strong, having just released his 44th album.
The musician, whose real name is Thwalofu Khoza (64), still rocks stages while fulfilling his duties as an induna of Chief Chakijana Biyela in his village of Obuka in Empangeni, KZN.
He new album is titled Inhlanhla and he has dedicated it to the fact that he is still able to do what he loves at his age.
Last year he was quoted that he had decided to quit music after the release of his 43rd album, Intencane .
But that’s all changed as he is still soldering on.
He told SunBuzz: “I thought I was too old to continue singing as I’m already getting my pension grant, but I realised that I should never quit because I love music.
“I’m the king of maskandi and I’m also a leader of the people in my village. I will never quit music because it runs in my blood.”
The Intathakusa hit maker said he feels blessed.
He started to release music in 1971 and has been consistent.
He encouraged young musicians to respect people so that they will become older like him.
“These days it’s rare to sing maskandi up until my age. Most of the singers don’t make it to age 60 and above,” he said.