MEMBER of the legendary umbhaqanga group Ofeleba, Khumbulani Kubheka, has died.
Khumbulani, who was also a choreographer, dancer and backing vocalist for maskandi legend Thokozani Langa, died on Tuesday, 6 February at Ngwelezane Hospital in KZN after a short illness.
His death is another blow to the music industry, which is still mourning the loss of Soul Brothers bass guitarist Scelo Ndlela, who died last month.Khumbulani, from Bergville, KZN Midlands, was respected in umbhaqanga music and maskandi music for his versatility as he could sing, dance, play the keyboard and produce music.
He has worked with Abakhwenyana, Themba Ngwenya, the late Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Ofeleba, Thokozani Langa and many others.
Thokozani "Somnandi" Langa told Daily Sun he is heartbroken that Khumbulani is no more because he was versatile.
"We started working with Khumbulani in my band in 2007. The main reason we hired him was because he was good with live performances, choreographer for a band and a good backing vocalist."
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Ofeleba member Xolani "Sxubho" Mkhize told Daily Sun he still can’t believe Khumbulani is gone.
"I was welcomed into Ofeleba by him when I joined the group as a young member, and he was a good choreographer who taught us how to dance. What hurts even more is that Ofeleba also had Maqhude and Mdu Malinga, and they are also no longer with us.
"He was a multi-talented musician who produced music, sang well, produced good music and was a good choreographer. The fact that I am here now is thanks to him and his patience in showing us a way," he said.
