Magical Mafikizolo

It’s been 20 years since Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza hit the music scene as Mafikizolo. They talk about making it big, losing a bandmate and giving back to their fans

- Molife Kumona

THEY MADE their first demos on cassette tape in 1996. Two decades on, there’s no doubt they’ve stood the test of time. The good news is that there’s still plenty more to come.

There have been highs and lows for sure, but internationally renowned South African duo Mafikizolo is pulling out all the stops as they celebrate 20 years in music.

The Thaba Eco Hotel, situated on a nature reserve south of Johannesburg, is the perfect location for hosting and photographing Nhlanhla Nciza (38) and Theo Kgosinkwe (43).

Despite heavy rainfall on the day, the multi-award-winning musicians are jovial and ready for the photshoot.

“This is really cool,” Nhlanhla says, admiring the hotel. “Surprisingly, every time we shoot with DRUM, it rains. The last time, there was a storm. But this is a great place. I will definitely come back here again – it’s not far from the city either.”

Theo agrees, and adds that the rain is a blessing. And talking of blessings, Mafikizolo has certainly been favoured with fame and fortune. The group has just returned from a highly successful sell-out tour in seven American cities.

“The US really surprised and overwhelmed us,” he admits. “We didn’t know people loved us that much. All the venues we performed at were sold out, which isn’t easy for most African artists.”

THEIR musical journey has been long, but the Afro-pop pair says it feels like only yesterday that they were starting up. “The road has been filled with a whole lot of emotions, roller-coaster rides, challenges, happiness, achievements and losses and gains,” Theo says. “A lot has happened – we have achieved so much and we have been through some pain in our lives, individually and as a group.”