Maskandi is a unique form of music that originated in South Africa. It is known for its distinctive guitar sound, and its lyrics that touch on various aspects of life in South Africa. One of the most popular and successful Maskandi artists of all time is Igcokama Elisha, who’s real name is Mthandeni Manqele. He has become a household name in the country and over-seas and for good reason. In this article, we will explore 10 reasons why Igcokama Elisha is the King of Maskandi.
Promoting a nation wide campaign on cleanliness
Igcokama Elisha has used his music to promote cleanliness, and has had a significant impact on the mindset of South Africans when it comes to this issue. In his songs, he encourages people to take responsibility for their own surroundings and to keep them clean. This message has resonated with many people, and has helped to change the way that South Africans think about cleanliness. Thanks to his efforts, many people are now more mindful of their surroundings and are taking steps to keep them clean, resulting in a positive change in the nation’s overall mindset when it comes to cleanliness. Igcokama Elisha’s push for cleanliness has inspired even his Maskandi rivals to clean up their act (brushing teeth, taking a shower before peformances etc). And during the Covid outbreak, his hygiene campaign proved to be a real lifesaver, as even rural South Africans were already well-versed in hygiene protocols, thanks to Igcokama Elisha.
Financial Independence and Home Ownership in the Music Industry
In addition to promoting social issues and cultural identity through his music, Igcokama Elisha has also been an advocate for financial independence and home ownership. He encourages his fans and other artists to invest in building and improving their own homes, rather than renting in Johannesburg or Durban. He also emphasizes the importance of treating Maskandi music as a business, and creating multiple streams of income from the proceeds generated by their music. This message has resonated with many people, and has helped to inspire a new generation of Maskandi artists who are focused on building sustainable careers in the music industry.
Resurrecting the Maskandi Genre: Igcokama Elisha’s Leadership and Legacy
After the passing of the legendary Maskandi artist uMgqumeni, the genre was at risk of fading away. However, Igcokama Elisha stepped up to the plate and helped to resurrect the industry. With his natural talent and deep connection with his fans, he was able to fill the void left by uMgqumeni’s passing and continue to carry the torch for Maskandi music. Igcokama Elisha has been a true leader in the industry, and has set an example for other artists to follow. He is often compared to uMgqumeni, who was also a beloved and influential figure in the genre. While uMgqumeni’s passing was a great loss to the music industry, Igcokama Elisha has helped to keep the spirit of Maskandi alive and thriving.
Overcoming Obstacles: Igcokama Elisha’s Journey to Iconic Status
Despite his incredible talent and popularity, Igcokama Elisha has faced sabotage from festival promoters and radio DJs, including Ngizwe Mchunu. Mchunu was accused of deliberately not playing Igcokama Elisha’s music on the radio, and of robbing him of deserved awards and accolades. This kind of behavior can be incredibly damaging to an artist’s career, but Igcokama Elisha has been able to survive and thrive despite these obstacles. He has remained focused on creating great music and connecting with his fans, and has not let these setbacks hold him back. In fact, Ngizwe Mchunu has since apologized publicly for his actions, acknowledging the incredible talent and mega influence of Igcokama Elisha. Through his perseverance and determination, Igcokama Elisha has become a true icon in the South African music industry.
Authenticity and Cultural Identity
Igcokama Elisha is a proud Zulu man, and this is reflected in his music. He sings in Zulu, and his lyrics often touch on issues that are important to the Zulu community. He is also known for wearing traditional Zulu attire, which adds to his authenticity and cultural identity. This has helped him connect with fans on a deep level, and has contributed to his success as an artist.
Consistency and Hard Work
One of the keys to Igcokama Elisha’s success is his consistency and hard work. He has been releasing albums and performing live for many years, and he has built up a loyal following as a result. He is also known for his intense work ethic, and his willingness to push himself to the limit to create the best music possible.
Ability to Tackle Important Issues
Another reason why Igcokama Elisha is so popular is his ability to tackle important issues in his music. He often sings about social issues such as poverty, activism, and gender based violence. He also touches on more personal topics, such as love, loss, and family. This has helped him connect with fans on a deeper level, and has contributed to his reputation as a socially conscious artist.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Igcokama Elisha has collaborated with a wide range of artists over the years, both within the Maskandi genre and outside of it. Some of his most successful collaborations include his work with fellow Maskandi artists including the late Mjikijelwa, as well as his collaboration with rapper Big Zulu, Zakwe, and many others. These collaborations have helped him expand his audience and have contributed to his success as an artist and raise the flag of Maskandi.
Successful Albums and Hits
Igcokama Elisha has released numerous successful albums over the years, including “Umthwalo Womona”, “Blow Job”, “Sibiza Abadlwane”, “Angifuni Lutho” and many others. He has also had numerous hit songs, including “Malavisto”, “Amajitha”, “Isimolomolo” to name a few. His ability to consistently produce hit music has contributed to his reputation as one of the most successful Maskandi artists in South Africa.
Influence on the Genre and Industry
Igcokama Elisha’s influence on the Maskandi genre and the South African music industry as a whole cannot be overstated. He has inspired countless other artists to pursue careers in music, and his unique style has helped to shape the sound of the genre. He has also been an advocate for the importance of preserving traditional music and culture, and has worked to ensure that future generations have access to this important part of South African heritage. This has earned Igcokama Elisha millions of fans in the world at large, no other Maskandi artists enjoys the same genuine support that Igcokama Elisha enjoys.
As we come to the end of this article, it’s worth mentioning that Igcokama Elisha’s impact on the music industry continues to grow. This is evident in his hit reality show, Ushuni Ka Maskandi, which is now in its second season on SABC 1. This show has given fans an intimate look at the life and work of this legendary artist, and has helped to cement his status as the greatest Maskandi musician of all time. We congratulate Igcokama Elisha on the continued success of his show, and look forward to watching it tonight.
Igcokama Elisha is a true king of the Maskandi, with his incredible talent, authenticity, and dedication to his craft. His deep respect for his cultural heritage and his commitment to social issues have made him an icon in South Africa and beyond. Through his music, he has inspired a new generation of Maskandi artists to continue the legacy of this important genre, and has brought joy and healing to countless fans around the world. Above all, his unwavering respect for his fans, his fellow artists, and his cultural roots has earned him the respect and admiration of all who know him. Igcokama Elisha is truly a shining example of the power of respect, and his impact on the music industry will be felt for generations to come.
Sengathi uSomandla, uMvelinqangi uMnini mandla Onke engakukhulisa nsizwa yakithi uqhubeke ushaye ingoma.