Thokozani Langa

Thokozani Langa was born on 9 February 1972 in Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal. He is a prominent Maskandi musician and is also known by his stage names Somnandi and SomDelicious. Langa began his professional music career in 1994 and has since become one of the most recognisable figures in traditional Zulu music.

His early albums such as Ipeni ne phepha and Lishonile ilanga earned industry recognition, and Phuma kimi won the Best Male Artist award at the South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards. Langa has released a substantial body of work across three decades, including I Protection Order and later projects that show his commitment to both tradition and innovation in Maskandi music.

Langa has also remained active in community work. In 2020 he donated food parcels to households in his home area during the national lockdown, focusing on families experiencing hardship. He has taken part in initiatives that raise awareness about social challenges affecting rural communities.

In 2024 he celebrated 30 years in the music industry with the album 30 Years of Somnandi. The project included collaborations with younger musicians and highlighted his role in nurturing the next generation of Maskandi artists. Langa continues to record and perform, and remains an influential custodian of Maskandi culture.