MASKANDI musician and dancer Xolani “Shilisi” Langa made a name for himself with his unique moves when he was late Mgqumeni Khumalo’s dancer.
He also danced for multi-award winning maskandi group Osaziwayo and award-winning group EzikaBhaka.
He was criticised on social media when he dumped Osaziwayo to join controversial maskandi star, Mthandeni Manqele.
Some maskandi fans called him a sell-out for joining Mthandeni, a known Osaziwayo rival. But Shilisi was not moved by the criticism.
He told Daily Sun he dumped Osaziwayo because he wanted to grow. He said he didn’t have a problem with Osaziwayo, but it was time to move on.
“I can work with them in future, but I’m still enjoying my time with Mthandeni’s band,” he said.
“I also plan to release my third album with the assistance of Mthandeni, but I’ll not quit dancing because it’s my talent and no one can dance like me.
“I like Mthandeni’s band because they’re young and always listen to my ideas.”
Shilisi first appeared with Mthandeni’s band during the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival.
He worked with Mgqumeni from 2004 until his death in 2009.
He said: “People have to learn that dancers have a right to work with any artist, at anytime.”
Why did they criticise me when I left Osaziwayo because they didn’t criticise me when I left EzikaBhaka for Osaziwayo.
“Joining Mthandeni is good for me. He reminds me of the days I used to dance for Mgqumeni. I feel as if I’m still in Mgqumeni’s band and he pays me well.”
