Maskandi legend Ihhashi Elimhlophe's legacy project which involves unearthing raw talent from deep rural areas is running again after being grounded due to the pandemic.
Known as Ihhashi Movement, the project was launched in 2016.
The 18 artists discovered by Ihhashi Elimhlophe, real name Bheki Ngcobo, come from different areas in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The 18, who all play guitars, were unearthed during a roadshow just before Covid-19 happened.
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the project was put on hold. This past week, the music legend brought all 18 artists to Johannesburg to record their music.
Speaking to Sowetan, the legend said he was extending a helping hand because someone did the same for him many years ago.
“I am happy that finally I recorded them and what is left is to release the two albums. The singles were released digitally last week. I started on the project before Covid-19 but I had to pause it [because of the movement restrictions at the time].
"I can see the guys are very committed and talented. It has not been easy to run this project from my own pocket but I continue doing this thanks to my family for their support and sponsors.
“As someone who grew up in a rural area I know exactly how is like to have talent and not know how to access opportunities. I want these young [people] to be able to use their talents to change their lives and their families' livelihoods. I also want them in return to mentor young people where they come from. With this project I am making sure that there's continuity in maskandi music,” he said.
The Ihhashi Movement also workshops the young artists the ins and outs of the music industry from performance presentation to being taught about how to register and claim their royalties.
“They don’t only learn about being in the studio and performing. They are taught about how you behave as an artist. I have been in the industry for over 40 years and I still take my work seriously and respect people. I tell them that as an artist, you should not compare yourself to other artists but rather to focus on your own skills.”
Masixole Mthandeni of Sutterheim, Eastern Cape, said he could not wait to perform their newly released single called Siyabangena on December 9 and 10 in Port St Johns.
Now based in East London where he is working in the hospitality industry, Masixole said: “I am grateful to what uBab’ Ngcobo has done, giving hapless artists like us an opportunity to launch our careers.
"There are many talented young people in the villages but they don’t have people who can guide them. That is why some of them end up being involved in criminal activities.”
-bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
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