20 years in music for Mafikizolo

The duo consisting of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza will entertain fans in a show that will showcase old and new songs to celebrate the group’s legacy as well as the impact it has made since signing to Kalawa Jazmee Records in 1996. Fans will be treated to both a nostalgic and expectant show that will include an established live band as well as choral dancers.

The concert will be accompanied with the launch of the Mafikizolo 20 album through Universal Music as a celebration to their two decades the duo has enjoyed in the South African music industry.

“Universal Music is happy to welcome Mafikizolo to the family home of local and international superstars,” Universal Music SA managing director Sipho Dlamini said. “As the largest entertainment company in the world, Universal has many artists on the roster but none like Mafikizolo.”

Mafikizolo achieved commercial success with the release of their self-titled album in 1996. It was their third album Gate Crashers that exposed them to the international market in 2000. Their 2002 album Sibongile was dedicated to God after the group survived a car accident.

Mafikizolo initially had three members before tragedy struck in 2004 when band member Tebogo Benedict Madingoane was shot and killed during a road-rage incident in Soweto.

The future of the group was speculated to be uncertain with questions lingering about whether or not Mafikizolo would work out as a duo.

The group has since been able to reach resounding success at home and abroad because of their ability to adapt and move with times while maintaining their signature Afro-pop sound and Sophiatown-esque image reminiscent of 1970s kwela music.

The duo released two albums, Van Toeka Af and Six Mabone, before Kgosinkwe and Nciza embarked on solo projects in 2009. Kgosinkwe released the album I am and Nciza released two – Inguquko and Lingcinga Zam. In 2013 the two regrouped and released Reunited.

The ‘Sibongile’ hitmakers have worked with artists such as Hugh Masekela and Davido. They recently collaborated with Kenyan hip hop artist Nyashinski and South African producer Sketchy Bongo on Coke Studio Africa.

“Silverstar Casino will be the first show in Gauteng to celebrate Mafikizolo’s 20 years in the business. Universal Live Africa and Universal Music Group, will produce 19 other shows throughout 2018 to celebrate their 20-year milestone,” Dlamini said.