For 20 years Mafikizolo have been South Africa’s best Afro-pop export to the world. The duo of Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe has occupied the enviable position as cultural ambassadors due to the major inroads they have made on the African continent and beyond. They are not about to slow down as they continue to ride the crest of a wave. This summer they continue their domination as they mark the 20 year milestone. It would be incomplete for the band to mark their two decade journey without acknowledging those who have fallen along the way, specifically Tebogo Madingwane who was a third of the band before his death in 2000.

Shortly after Mafikizolo shot to fame, they were involved in a near fatal car accident which left some of the band members in hospital for a couple of weeks.  And when they began picking up the pieces and getting their feet back on the groove, Tebza was killed.

Theo Kgosinkwe, the male member of the duo, says: “In the 60s, Six Mabone had the same status as BMW today. And our music is enjoyed by the young and the old. We are taking our fans back and forth.”

Kgosinkwe summarises it their journey when he says: “We have been to hell and back. God has been there for us always.”

They have managed to reinvent themselves over the years and this new approach is sure to pleasantly surprise the fans. Explains Theo: ‘We are pop artists, which means to be popular our sound needs to stay current and relevant. On 20 we are influenced by our travels in Africa and our producer DJ Maphorisa travels a lot and knows what’s current in the clubs and streets of Europe, America and Africa.’

Social media handles :

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