Influence Profile
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Trending in Hashi Elimhlophe’s World
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Story
Quick Facts
Born
1960
1960
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Bheki Ngcobo, known as Ihhashi Elimhlophe, holds a lasting place in South African maskandi through a career built on sustained output, live performance, and a distinct instrumental approach. His work extends across decades, reflecting both continuity and adaptation within traditional music spaces.
He was born in rural KwaZulu-Natal and moved to Johannesburg in 1976, a decision that marked the start of his professional direction. Before establishing himself as a solo artist, he developed his experience within established groups. He played bass for Soul Brothers and later took on a leading role in their junior outfit, Imitshotshovu. These years provided structure and exposure to the recording and performance environment.
Transitioning into a solo career, he adopted the name Ihhashi Elimhlophe and released his debut album Hololo in the mid-1980s. From that point, he built an extensive catalogue, recording more than 25 albums over time. His use of a 14-string guitar became a defining element of his musical identity, setting his performances apart within the genre.
His career has included continuous touring and a broad audience reach across both rural and urban settings. In addition to his solo work, he has collaborated with artists across multiple genres, including house, kwaito, hip-hop, gospel, and jazz. He has also performed internationally, taking his music to audiences beyond South Africa.
He has been part of collaborative projects such as "Izingqungqulu Zomhlaba," working alongside artists like Phuzekhemisi and Mfaz’ Omnyama, contributing to the visibility of maskandi music.
Across more than four decades, his presence has remained consistent, supported by ongoing releases and performance activity. His career later expanded into television, with appearances in productions such as Ifalakhe and uZulu noMhlaba, as well as a family-centered reality show, Ofuze.
In 2019, he entered a distribution partnership with Universal Music Africa, marking a new phase in how his catalogue reached wider audiences.
His work continues to represent a long-term contribution to maskandi, grounded in traditional structure while extending into wider performance and recording spaces.