Famous by accident! Meet Tongaat’s up-and-coming maskandi artist
Qhosha, as he is more often called, says he fell into fame quite by accident.
Tongaat’s own big news maskandi artist Nkosinathi “Qhoshangokwenzakwakhe” Sibisi (32) never intended to become a celebrity.
Qhosha, as he is more often called, says he fell into fame quite by accident.
Celebrated for his unique blend of the maskandi genre the talented young singer, songwriter and performer produced his first album ‘Point to Prove’ in 2013 as an experiment to learn about the industry.
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His intention was to start a business managing upcoming artists. Instead, the album catapulted him to fame with awards for Best Gospel Maskandi at the SABC Gospel Crown Awards and Best Newcomer at the SATMAs in 2014.
“I released my first album while I was still working in Fairmont Zimbali Resort and when I got retrenched in 2014, I decided to make music my full-time job,” he said.
He now has five albums under his belt, each with a hit song, and is known for pushing the boundaries of the genre. He is best known for the hit songs, titled ‘Wamnamathela’, ‘Amavukane asemaningi’, ‘Iziqhomo’ and ‘Uyadlala mbhemu’ – featuring Khuzani Mpungose, one of the country’s most famous maskandi artists.
Qhosha grew up listening to the late maskandi legend Mahawukela and later became a big fan of the late Mgqumeni Khumalo, who died in 2009.
“When Khumalo died, I became a fan of one of his music groups, Amagcokama, and when Khangelani Mhongo, who was the leader of that group decided to form his own group, Osaziwayo, I chose to go with him and I became the leader of his fans.
“That was when I took the plunge and released my first album and here I am today, still going strong.”
So far the future looks bright for the Eshowe-born artist.
He has opened his own record label, 3Tin Entertainment (named for his nickname, given to him by another maskandi fan, mocking him for his height) and is pursuing organising events.
Qhosha said he will be releasing his sixth album next month and promised his fans it would be something special.
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