Bheki ngcobo biography template

By Patience Bambalele

If Staying Power was a person in the music industry, Bheki Ngcobo, also known by stage name Ihhashi Elimhlophe would be that person. After 27 years in the industry, he speaks frankly to Patience Bambalele about anything you may wish to know about the industry, from how music can be used as an instrument of social cohesion, how his kids became artists and how to evolve and move with the times without losing your traditional roots…this interview took place in 2003...

For how long have you been in the music industry?  

For 27 years now. I started my music career way back in 1976 as a backup singer for my uncle uThwalofu namaNkentshane. Then I grew up within the industry to a point where I officially launched my own solo career in 1986 with a debut album Hololo. 

You are the only maskandi musician in South Africa who shares the stage with his family. Is music a family prescribed dose or a career choice?  

(laughs) It’s a choice. In fact we did not even plan it as a family, it just happened. You will remember that my wife Linah was a seasoned musician singing as Ebony long before we met each other. As for my children, they loved what their parents are doing and decided to join us on stage. It’s a wonderful setup because I am always close to my family wherever I'm touring. 

Linah Khama and hubby Bheki Ngcobo

Did you audition Amaponi?  

Honestly I didn't but they had to prove their mettle to be where they are today. As I have indicated, music runs in my family blood. Amaponi became interested in music when they saw me and their mother singing. My first born Nkosinathi is the one who initially showed interest at the tender age of five. Every time I went to festivals he would come along with me. When I realised that he loved traditional dance, I started featuring him on stage during my performances. Later on he was joined by his younger broth

Over 30 years ago, Ihashi Elimhlophe, real name Bheki Ngcobo, from Empangeni, in KwaZulu-Natal, turned down the opportunity to be part of the iconic South African stage play Sarafina, which premiered in New York at The James Earl Jones Theatre. He was offered to play the role of Crocodile in the play by the late playwright Mbongeni Ngema.

HIS WIFE WAS THE VOICE OF REASON 

After agreeing to play the role and looking forward to getting paid in US Dollars, fellow artist and wife Linah 'Ebony' Ngcobo told him in no uncertain terms he was not going to the US. "My wife reminded me that I had just released my debut album, Wololo. She argued that I can't leave my project behind without promoting it because I want to be a part of Sarafina. At first, I did not get why she was not excited for the opportunity because Mbongeni had promised to use my song and I was also going to play the lead guitar and that was exciting for me. But today I see it was a blessing because afterwards, my wife made sure to promote my album in the media and sampled it at radio stations and it was a success," said Ngcobo. He said had he left with Ngema and the Sarafina crew, hashi Elimhlophe would not exist. Ngcobo, who has featured in the popular kwaito song Muntuza with Brothers of Peace in the early 2000s, works with his wife Ebony, who was a successful solo artist doing Bubblegum music in the mid 1980s. Ebony from Nkowa-Nkowa in Limpopo was one of the artists that made an impact when she shared the stage with her luminaries like Brenda Fassie, Zizi Kongo and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. 

A FAMILY OF MUSICIANS 

Apart from Ebony, who now doubles as a booking agent, backing singer and dancer for Ihashi Elimhlophe, the celebrity couple also works with their two daughters Ntombee Mzolo, Vusiwe Ngcobo and two sons Jabu and Nathi, who are also backing vocalists and dancers. His uncle is a well-known maskandi artist Thwalofu and he says he is the one

Ihashi play Zulu music

By Sanath Weerasuriya

With the ice broken in the Lankan music scene, many top bands, and artistes have performed in Colombo since then. 'Bony-M', 'Brotherhood of Man', 'Cool & The Gang', George Baker Selection', 'Three Degrees', 'Trini Lopez' are a few amoung them.

After about twelve years since Osibisa, another African band visited Sri Lanka last week. 'Ihashi' was the first traditional South African band to perform in Colombo.

'Ihashi Elimhlophe' (which means White Horse in English) is a traditional 'Zulu' band which play only Zulu music and songs.

'Ihashi Elimhlophe', an eight member Zulu band was in Colombo to boost the South African food Fiesta, which was held in connection with the South African National day last week at Taj Samudra Hotel. Speaking to TV Times exclusively Linah Ngcobo, the manageress and a vocalist of the 'Ihashi' said they play only 'Maskandi', traditional Zulu music. 'We are, first time out of Africa. Last week we were performing in Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta and Colombo is our last stop of this trip. We have performed in Tanzania, Swaziland, Ivory Coast, Botswana, South West Africa, Zimbabwe and in Lesotho. So this is a new experience for us as Sri Lanka is an exciting country. We would love to return here soon,' Linah said. 'Ihashi Elimhlophe' comprises leader Bheki Ngcobo (main vocals), Thuthukai Cele (keyboards), George Nxusa (bass), Harwad Oxila (drums), Linah (vocals), Mandla Zondi (backing vocals and dancing), Priscila Banda (backing vocals and dancing) and Bonelakhe Ndlovu (vocals and dancing). Bheki and Linah are husband and wife.

'Ihashi Elimhlophe' is a household name in South African traditional Zulu music. Leader Bheki Ngcobo the brains behind the 'Ihashi Eimhlophe projects, first recorded his music in 1986. Ihashi has never looked back since then.

Ihashi Elimhlophe, hails from Zulu Em