Popular Singer Bows Out of Music Industry

MULTI-award-winning maskandi singer announces his departure from the music industry.

Vela “Sgwebo Sentambo” Khoza, who is the nephew of legendary maskandi musician Thwalofu Khoza and cousin of renowned singer Bheki “Ihhashi Elimhlophe” Ngcobo, noted numerous challenges as the reason for his decision to quit.

Struggles with modern music practices
Vela said adapting to new singing styles and the digital methods of selling and promoting music has been particularly challenging for him.

He said the lack of respect from event organisers and municipalities, especially those who book him but fail to pay on time, has also been discouraging.

Vela said that unlike before, when he sold hard copy albums, his music no longer supports him and his family financially.

Sgwebo Sentambo, originally from Obuka, KZN, began releasing his music in 2009 and has won several awards, including Best Maskandi at both the Samas and SATMAs and Best Performer at Amantshontsho kaMaskandi.

Pride in musical heritage
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The Alibuyele Ku Zuma hitmaker told Daily Sun that another reason for quitting is the diminishing respect for veteran musicians, including his uncle Thwalofu.

“I’m from the family of the musicians as my uncle Thwalofu is a legendary musician and my brother Ihhashi is also musician, and it pains me to also see them not getting bookings like other musicians especial my uncle because he is the legends.”

He said the digital space and new singing styles have diminished the appeal of his music, which is considered traditional maskandi.

“Now the musician has moved from the original maskandi musician which sings about what is happening in the country because of digital and social media.

“Now male musicians are singing songs that praise women and criticising men to be popular on digital media. You will see a male musician singing and moving his bums on TikTok, which I cannot do,” Sgwebo Sentambo said.

Final act: A farewell album
Since digital technology took over, he has worked with many knowledgeable people, but it still doesn’t pay him well.

“I can say that there are people who understand this digital thing better, like Insika Yethonga and Kwazi Nsele, and I get money for that, but that money is not enough, and it is not like the money I used to get before when I was still selling cassettes and CDs.”

He added that he will release his last album during the Easter holidays.