Mandla Mofokeng, popularly known as Spikiri, is a renowned kwaito musician, singer, and producer from Meadowlands, Soweto, widely known as “Spikiri”.

He began his career as a dancer in 1985, learning under the mentorship of South African music legend Sello “Chicco” Twala. By the 1990s, he had transitioned into music production, working with artists such as Chimora, Kamazu, Senyaka, and Fatty Boom Boom, also known as Tsekeleke.

Mofokeng is a founding member of the iconic kwaito group Trompies, which has released several albums, many of which are considered classics in the genre.

Profile Summary

Birth Name	Mandla Daniel Mofokeng
Stage Name	Spikiri
Date of Birth	11 September, 1967
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Meadowlands, Soweto, South Africa
Nationality	South African
Age	58 years old (2025)
Occupation	Musician, Producer, Singer
Years Active	1985 – Present
Instagram	@spikiri_mandla_reloaded)
Twitter (X)	@spikirispk

Early Life and Education

Mandla Daniel Mofokeng (born 11 September 1967) is a kwaito musician, singer, and producer. He was born in Meadowlands, Soweto.

His deep passion for music led him to enroll at Fuba Music School in 1991, where he studied engineering and piano, further honing his musical skills.

Career

Mandla Mofokeng began his career as a dancer in 1985 under the mentorship of South African musician Sello “Chicco” Twala. In 1988, he formed a disco group called MM De Luxe with his friend M’du Masilela. The duo recorded two successful albums in 1989 and 1990, pioneering what would later be known as township kwaito.

During the 1990s, Mofokeng produced music for artists such as Chimora, Kamazu, Senyaka, and Fatty Boom Boom, better known as Tsekeleke. Known for his humble nature, he co-founded the influential kwaito group Trompies, which released several albums, many of which are now considered classics in the genre.

Mofokeng is also a founding member and co-director of the renowned record label Kalawa Jazzmee, which has launched the careers of numerous kwaito artists, including Boom Shaka, Bongo Muffin, Alaska, B.O.P (Brothers of Peace), and Thebe. He currently serves on the board of directors at Kalawa Jazzmee Recording Company and is a key member of the DCC (Dangerous Combination Crew), the label’s production team. His contributions extend to successful records by Brothers of Peace, Thebe, Bongo Maffin, Alaska, Mafikizolo, Jakarumba, MaWillies, and the late Tokollo and Kabelo’s solo projects.

Beyond kwaito, Spikiri’s diverse musical talent is evident in collaborations with artists from various genres, including Don Laka, Moses Molelekwa, Bra Hugh Masikela, Vicky Vilakazi, and Hashi Elimhlopheh.

In 1998, he released his debut EP Skonkonyana and officially launched his debut studio album in 2001, titled King Don Father 2001. The following year, he released King Don Father 2002, featuring the hit single Vat en Sit with Mandoza, Tokollo, Oskido, and Stoan. He later returned with King Don Father Remixes Habashwe, featuring hit singles like Money Talks and Ndofaya with Kabelo, Thandiswa Mazwai, Stoan, and Kamazu.

Awards and Recognition

In 2011, Spikiri received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Metro FM Awards. He was honored with another Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 South African Music Awards (SAMA) in recognition of his 30-year contribution to the music industry. In 2019, he won Best Kwaito Album for King Don Father 2018 and received the Best Kwaito Male Artist award at the 2nd Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards.

Songs

Albums

2001 – King Don Father 2001

2002 – King Don Father 2002

2003 – King Don Father Remixes Habashwe

2005 – Simply The Best

2005 – Ain’t Nothing But A Gangstas Party

2007 – Habashwe Spinyako

2007 – Simply The Best

2007 – Chalibaba

2008 – Trouble 

2009 – Taking A Walk On The Wild Side

2011 – The King Son Father 2.5

2018 – King Don Father 2018

EPs

2005 – Spiyanko

2008 – Skonkonyana

Singles

2008 – Current

2009 – Le’Sgunhu

2016 – Ingoma

2018 – Ngik’phoxile

2021 – Piki Piki

2022 – Tana La!