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Bheki “Ihashi Elimhlophe“ Ngcobo at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela through song, dance, storytelling and theatrical performances

KWAZULU NATAL. — The legendary Ihashi Elimhlophe celebrates his 40 years in the music industry by embarking on a talent search for the best maskandi artist across the country.

The singer and guitarist, whose real name is Bheki Ngcobo, has unveiled his campaign called Ihashi Movement, aimed at exposing new talent.

The talent search is expected to start at Ngcobo’s village in Empangeni on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast on October 1. Ngcobo said the search would be broadcast on Ukhozi FM.

“Helping talented emerging musicians to succeed is close to my heart. I want to celebrate this historic anniversary in style,” Ngcobo said.

Ngcobo’s colourful career has highlights that include being the first maskandi artist to perform with a philharmonic orchestra during the Miss World pageant.

He has also worked with the SABC Orchestra, DJ Oskido, Dream Team, Zuluboy, Boom Shaka, Mafikizolo, Soul Brothers and Zola.

Ngcobo shared the stage with Latin-American singer Shakira, Nigerian 2 Face, Ghanaian Sermini and SA’s multi-Grammy-award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo during the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup.

Together with his wife Linah, aka Ebony, they were honoured with a lifetime achievement award in 2007 in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga. Their children are in a family group called Amaponi. — Sowetan.