LEGENDARY maskandi artist Ihhashi Elimhlophe will finally record his live DVD, which is something he has been yearning to do for a long time. Real name Bheki Ngcobo (62) from KwaBiyela in Empangeni, northern KwaZulu Natal, Ihhashi Elimhlophe will be recording it for two days at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani in Soweto. Speaking to Zimoja, his eldest daughter and TV personality Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo said that this was a dream come true for their father.                                                                   "This is something that has been close to my father's heart. But as independent artist who is not associated with any big record labels, it is a bit hard. However, we thank God that he has finally made it possible for my dad to record this DVD,' said Lekunutu presenter.

STAYING POWER

Ntombee further said that her family will come out in numbers to support his father on this milestone.                                                                                                           "This family is everything it is today because of this Ihhashi Elimhlophe brand. I believe I speak on behalf of my siblings and my mom when I say there is absolutely nothing that could stop us from not only supporting but also being a part of this historic moment. Everything else can wait,' she said.                                                   Ihhashi Elimhlophe released his latest offering before Covid 19 titled called AmaWaza Waza, where he featured Ntombee in a track called UJehovah.                            "Now that we've weathered the Covid storm, he is definitely going to be dropping something very soon,' she said.                                                                               Ntombee further said, "The very thing that got him into this industry, I believe is the same thing that keeps him going. The way Ubaba loves what he does , he is passionate and respects it too.I also think it is discipline that has helped him stick around for so long,' Ntombee gushed.

Ihhashi Elimhlophe is an award-winning maskandi music legend who has has grown to be a big brand in traditional Zulu music since1 986. His passion for music goes back  to his uncles at home, who taught him to make a makeshift tin guitar with three strings at the age of eight. He started as a bass guitarist for the legendary Soul Brothers before the group made him the lead singer for their junior group, Imitshotshovu. Ihhashi Elimhlophe, whose album Icala was successful, decided to go solo, then adopted the stage name Ihhashi Elimhlophe, which means "white horse'. His debut album, Hololo, made way for other successful recordings and productions and he has twenty-eight studio albums under his belt. He has previously collaborated with other prominent and legendary maskandi artists such as Phuzekhemisi and Mfazi Omnyama, and together thy called called themselves Izinqunqulu Zomhlaba.

VERSATILITY

Ihhashi Elimhlophe has also collaborated with artists from other music genres ?" kwaito, hip hop, jazz, Afro-pop, house,boere musiek, gospel, choral, and urban pop.The legendary artist has travelled and performed in over twenty-five countries. His wife Ebony, whose real name is Linah Ngcobo, one of the country's female artists who became prominent in the 1980s and 90s Tickets for the Live Recording of Ihhashi Elimhlophe range from R150 for a standard ticket and R500 for VIP tickets and are available at www.webtickets.co.za