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 who taught him how to play a guitar.
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY
Ihashi started his music career in the 1970s, performing at weddings, traditional ceremonies, and other events. He later joined the band, Amagcokama, where he was a musician and songwriter. He also became part of the successful and multi award-winning Mbhaqanga outfit, Soul Brothers. In 1986, Ihashi Elimhlophe released his debut album, which was an instant hit, and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Since then, he has released over 40 albums, each showcasing his unique style and ability to seamlessly blend traditional sounds with contemporary genres. He has performed in over 25 countries,and he has numerous awards under his name. Ihashi will be celebrating 45 Years in music at Theatre on the Square in Sandton tomorrow with guest performances by Yaya Sings and Abafazi Bengoma. Tickets are available at Computicket.
