IGCOKAMELISHA has withdrawn from recording the remix of Vusi Nova’s song, Asiphelelanga.
Igcokamelisha (real name Mthandeni Manqele) said he had withdrawn because other maskandi artists were jealous of him after Nova chose him to record the remix.
He told Daily Sun some of the artists did not understand why Nova chose him.
“I could not tolerate some of the things that were said about me. I cannot mention names, but some maskandi singers are jealous that Nova chose me,” he said.
“It was wrong for the people to try and force Nova to add other artists to his song. Now that he wanted to remix the song they have a problem that he chose to work with me. Nova chose me because I am young, energetic and talented.”
The duo had planned to remix Asiphelelanga after maskandi fans complained that the original, which was meant to pay tribute to late Mzansi artists, did not include late maskandi artists including Mtshengiseni, Mgqumeni, Mjikijelwa and Bhekumuzi Luthuli, among others.
Mthandeni’s wish is to one day see maskandi singers working together.
Nova said he was aware that other artists have given Mthandeni a hard time, but unaware that he had pulled out from remixing the song.
“I know he is angry. He has not told me about his withdrawal. We’ve not started recording the remix. When we met, the other song [Wena Ukhalelani] came up. We were still trying to get time and strategise as to how we will remix Asiphelelanga.I won’t blame him for withdrawing because he has been insulted by maskandi singers,” said Nova.
He said that if Mthandeni is serious about pulling out he does not know what he will do next.
“I will speak to my team to find a way forward.”