Let’s Talk About Shiyani Ngcobo
ABOUT SHIYANI NGCOBO
South African-born Shiyani Ngcobo was a Maskandi guitarist and tutor. He became a significant role in introducing Maskanda music to an international public by touring B, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom in the early 2000s on behalf of his album Presenting Shiyani Ngcobo. He also taught maskandi guitar at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Music. 18 February 2011 saw his death near Kwazulu.
SHIYANI NGCOBO’S LIFE/CAREER
In the South African region of KwaZulu-Natal, Shiyani was born in 1953. His musical style was heavily influenced by the Zulu music of his parents, who were the source of his birth. After hearing the traditional song Sevelina played by his brother Khetuwise when he was thirteen, Shiyani developed an intense fascination with Maskanda music. Due to his father’s alcoholism and his frequent beatings of his mother, he eventually departed home in 1970 and lived as a migrant worker throughout South Africa. He later got married and moved to Kwa Makutha, which is close to Durban, where he met Gertrude.
Producer Ben Mandelson noticed Ngcobo during the Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia, and he created three demo tracks for the artist that were played on a BBC Radio 3 broadcast. Motivated by these demo recordings, Mandelson went to South Africa to assist Ngcobo in recording his debut album, Introducing Shiyani Ngcobo, which was published in 2004. Ngcobo started a European tour to promote this record, making dates in the UK, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and Switzerland. Ngcobo’s one and only journey to the United States took place in 2007, during which he performed at Carnegie Hall.
SHIYANI NGCOBO’S DEATH
On February 18, 2011, Ngcobo passed away in his home outside of Durban. He led a very poor life considering his fame, and when he passed away, his child Khanyisile had to go on broadcasting to raise money for the funeral. Afterwards, on March 15, 2011, he was featured in The Rough Guide to African Guitar Legends, an album published by World Music Network.
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