Intombi yasentabazwe

Masepetlele Mdaki, professionally known as Intombi Yasentabazwe, is a South African Maskandi artist celebrated for her rich cultural sound and storytelling. She was born on January 5, 1982, in Verkerskoop, Harrismith, Free State, to her parents, Fana and Elizabeth Mdaki.

Raised in a vibrant and musically inclined household, Masepetlele developed a passion for music at an early age. She began singing at just 12 years old, performing in church and at weddings, where she honed her vocal ability and stage presence. Her early exposure to music laid a strong foundation for her future career.

She attended Makwaza School in Harrismith, where she completed her primary education in 1994. In pursuit of further education and her musical ambitions, she later moved to Johannesburg, where she studied at Denver College while continuing to develop her artistry.

In 1997, Masepetlele reached an important milestone in her musical journey by writing her first song, marking the beginning of her songwriting career. That same year, she also entered a new chapter in her personal life when she married Phehello Selepe in QwaQwa, Free State. Together, they have been blessed with four children. Despite the responsibilities of family life, she remained dedicated to her music, continuously seeking platforms to showcase her talent.

Throughout her career, Intombi Yasentabazwe has collaborated with several prominent figures in the Maskandi music industry. She worked with Thokozani Langa on the song “Mama Ebony,” and further expanded her musical repertoire through collaborations with groups such as Abafana BakwaMqumeni on “Alimgube” and Inkosi Yamagcokama on “Umzukulu.” These collaborations helped solidify her presence in the genre and broaden her audience.

In 2017, she performed for Card Company Take Action, an opportunity that significantly increased her visibility and recognition within the local music scene.

Today, Intombi Yasentabazwe continues to be a respected voice in Maskandi music, known for preserving traditional sounds while sharing powerful stories through her work.