Khuzani, whose full name is Khuzani Nkosikhona Innocent Mpungose, is a prominent South African maskandi singer and songwriter. His journey to fame began when he participated in Mgqumeni’s album “iSecret” in 2009. Notably, he gained widespread recognition after securing the Song of the Year for 2020, receiving almost one million votes from Ukhozi FM listeners.

Throughout his career, Khuzani has demonstrated his musical prowess with the release of several successful albums, including the Gold-certified “Isixaxa Samxoki,” which achieved Gold status within two months of its release. 

Early Life and Educational Background

Khuzani, born on December 3, 1989, grew up in Nkandla, north of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He is the second-born among three siblings, born to parents Muziwephahla Mpungose and Sizakele Mpungose. Khuzani is currently 36 years old.

Khuzani commenced his educational journey in 1995 at Mvayiza Primary School in Mandaba village in Nkandla, where he remained until 1998. Subsequently, he moved to Sibhakabhaka Primary & High School, also located in Nkandla, where he continued his studies until 2002. In 2009, he successfully matriculated from Sibhakabhaka High School. It was during this significant year that Mpungose received a notable opportunity when he was appointed by Shobeni Khuzwayo to complete the late Mgqumeni’s album, titled “iSecret.”

During his formative years, Khuzani’s musical influences were deeply rooted in the sounds of Mgqumeni (Ibhova likadikadika) and Mtshengiseni Ngcwensa (Indidane). 

Career Beginnings and Achievements

Maskandi artist Mgqumeni Khumalo passed away on December 19, 2009, while still working on his album. His record label, Izingane Zoma Music, selected Khuzani, who was only 20 years old at the time, to complete the album due to his voice resembling Mgqumeni’s. The album, titled “iSecret,” was completed successfully by Khuzani and went on to win at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs).

Riding the wave of this newfound recognition, Khuzani released his debut album, “Bahluleke Bonke,” in 2011, which earned the title of Best Selling Album at the Amatshontsho ka Maskandi Awards. The following year, he released another album, “Amampunge,” which made significant waves in the maskandi music industry.

On April 7, 2017, Khuzani released his seventh studio album, “Isixaxa Samaxoki,” which quickly achieved gold certification by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) within two weeks of its release. He also had the honor of closing the annual Maskandi Music event, “Khuphuka Ne Zako Sibone Inkunzi,” and secured the R100,000 prize voted for by fans. In the same year, Khuzani won several awards, including Best Maskandi Album, Best Selling Album, and Best Song of the Year at the Amatshontsho Kamaskandi Awards. At the South African Music Awards, he won Best Maskandi Album for “Khuzani – Inyoni yomthakathi.”

In the first quarter of 2019, Khuzani participated in the Gcwalisa iMabhida Maskandi Concert, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the maskandi music scene.

Khuzani continued to build on his success with the release of his single “Ijele,” featuring Luve Dubazane, on November 27, 2020. The song achieved remarkable success, winning the Ukhozi FM Top 10 Song of the Year with close to a million votes, making it one of the biggest songs in the country. The reception to “Ijele” sparked mixed reactions from South Africans across Mzansi.

In April 2021, Khuzani was recognized at the Nkandla Mayoral Awards for his outstanding contributions to the Maskandi genre. Later in October 2021, he showcased his talent on an international stage by performing at the Dubai Expo.

Khuzani’s collaborations with several notable names in the music industry, including Babes Wodumo, Big Nuz, Afro Soul, Andile KaMajola, Osaziwayo, and Imfezemnyama, have further cemented his reputation. His extensive discography boasts numerous successful albums and singles, earning him several awards and widespread acclaim for his contributions to the South African music landscape.

Controversy

Mthandeni Manqele, widely known as Igcokama Elisha, is one of Khuzani’s primary rivals in the Maskandi music scene. Born Mthandeni Sibusiso Manqele, he has made a significant name for himself as one of the most popular musicians within the Maskandi genre in South Africa. His rivalry with Khuzani has been one of the most talked-about in the industry, often resulting in clashes between their respective fan bases.

This rivalry has, unfortunately, led to violent confrontations among fans, prompting intervention from the KZN MEC for Arts and Culture, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, in 2017. She appealed for peace after a closed meeting between Khuzani, also known as ‘Indlamlenze’ Mpungose, and Mthandeni, ‘iGcokama Elisha.’ The goal of the meeting was to resolve the ongoing feud, which had escalated into violent incidents.

During the meeting, both Khuzani and Igcokama Elisha agreed to refrain from using sarcastic and defamatory content in their songs, aiming to promote a more peaceful coexistence within the Maskandi industry. The hope was that their actions would lead to better relations between their fan bases, encouraging a more harmonious environment in the music scene.

Awards

South African Music Awards, 2017

Best Maskandi Album

Amantshontsho kaMaskandi Awards, 2017

Song of the Year

Best Selling

Best Album

KZN Entertainment Awards, 2020

KZN’s Most Loved

South African Music Awards, 2023

Best Maskandi Album

Studio albums

Bahluleke Bonke (2011)

Amampunge (2012)

Sixosha Amambuka (2013)

Inj’emnyama (2014)

Isihlahla Samavukane (2015)

Inyoni Yomthakathi (2016)

Isixaxa Samaxoki (2017)

Inhlinini Yoxolo Part 1 (2018)

Inhlinini Yoxolo Part 2 (2018)

Inhloko Nes’Xhanti (2019)

Ispoki Esingafi (2020)

Inja Nogodo (2021)

Umqhele nethawula (2022)

Aliboli Icala (2023)

Angidilali Nezingane