The City’s very own Maskandi crooner, Nkosinathi Mdlalose aka Zothile, will headline the third annual Sigaba Ngengoma music festival, which boasts a stellar line up of A-rated traditional music artists.
The popular festival takes place on Saturday, 7 November, at the Newtown Music Factory on Henry Nxumalo Street in the heart of Joburg’s cultural precinct.
Zothile is billed to belt out tunes alongside Big Zulu, Stilo Magolide, Ngiga, Osaziwayo, Dulas, Abafana BakaMgqumeni, Osolwazi, Jaiva Zimnike, and Igcokama Elisha, to list a few.
The passionate musician, who also plays the acoustic guitar, is delighted at the opportunity to showcase his art. It’s the first time Zothile is scheduled to perform on such a prestigious stage. He promises to perform fan favourites like Ekhaya, Intloso Yami and many more.
“Ngiyabonga kakhulu for this opportunity, it’s an honour to perform alongside such an incredible group of artists,” he says.
An accomplished musician with two solid studio albums under his belt, Zothile recorded his debut studio album in 2014. His latest offering, packed with 15 tracks, was released last year. He enjoys massive airplay on two of the country’s biggest indigenous language radio stations, Umhlobo Wenene and Ukhozi FM, including a host of community radio stations.
A versatile artist who composes songs on his acoustic guitar as well as produce and arrange new music, the 30-year-old started working for the City in December 2017.
He says he developed his passion for Maskandi and R&B while growing up in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zothile graduated with a BCom Degree in supply chain management and economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he also started his career as a Library Student Assistant. He then moved to Brakpan on the East Rand to work for Mpact Corrugated as a Quality Inspector.
In 2016, Zothile took a Supply Chain Management internship in the Department of Social Development, before his permanent employment as a Supplier Management Officer within the Strategic Supply Chain Management Directorate.
He is a proud member of the Black Management Forum (BMF) and an affiliate of the Information Distributors Association (IDA).
