On today’s Maskandi Biography News , Fakazahub Maskandi News team presented a structured profile of a well known South African Maskandi singer, Abafana Baka Mgqumeni . Here, we explore key aspects of his life, including biography, date of birth and age, relationship status, net worth, as well as his most popular songs and albums.
We, the FakazaHub Media Team, have summarized the artist’s biography under the following key sections:
- Introduction
- Early Life & Background
- Education
- Career
- Achievements & Awards
- Personal Life
- Net Worth
- List of Albums & Songs
- Popular Songs & Albums
- Social Media Handles
- Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
The South African maskandi duo Abafana Baka Mgqumeni have emerged as leading custodians of the Zulu traditional sound, weaving together heritage and modern performance. With roots grounded in family legacy and the spirit of the late legend Mgqumeni Khumalo, they have carved a distinct identity in the Maskandi genre, honoured by industry awards and celebrated across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
EARLY LIFE & BACKGROUND
Abafana Baka Mgqumeni consists of cousins Nelisani “Jezekhulu” Mseleku and Sakhiseni “Skhevane” Mseleku, who hail from the small town of Nqutu in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
They come from a musical family: their father, known as “Umahawukela” (Igcokama lika Mseleku), and other relatives were involved in maskandi and Zulu cultural music.
Before the duo’s formal formation, they watched and learned from Mgqumeni Khumalo, a master of maskandi who passed away in 2009.
After his passing they stepped into the role of preserving his sound and legacy. As noted: they entered the scene in 2012 following the demise of their mentor.
EDUCATION
While much of their public profile emphasizes music and legacy rather than formal academic credentials, the duo learned the craft of Maskandi through familial apprenticeship: observing and participating in traditional performance, guitar work, vocal harmonies and storytelling in isiZulu. Their upbringing in a musically-rich household provided a practical education in rhythm, tradition and performance.
CAREER
Abafana Baka Mgqumeni launched their musical journey officially in 2012, selecting their name as an homage to Mgqumeni Khumalo and the family’s lineage. They faced early hurdles: after Mgqumeni’s passing their previous recording company declined to support them, and they had to rebuild professionally by producing demos and seeking record deals.
Over time the duo began releasing albums and singles, performing widely across South Africa, and maintaining a presence in the maskandi circuit. They have represented traditional Zulu culture on stage, sustained the legacy of their mentor and developed a signature sound rooted in authenticity.
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Abafana Baka Mgqumeni have earned recognition for both their artistry and their dedication to traditional music. They won Best Traditional Artist of the Year at the 14th South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs) in 2019. They have also been multiple‐time winners at the Annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in the Maskandi or Traditional Album categories; for instance their album 6 to 6 was awarded Best Maskandi Album at the 24th SAMAs.Their perseverance and impact over a decade were marked in a 2022 article celebrating their 10-year milestone.
PERSONAL LIFE
Though primarily known for their public music careers, the members of Abafana Baka Mgqumeni remain anchored in their cultural and familial heritage. The Mseleku family has deep ties to the community in Nqutu, and the brothers have publicly expressed gratitude to those who supported them, like former DJ Ngizwe Mchunu, for helping preserve the legacy of Mgqumeni Khumalo.
They have also navigated complex family and legacy issues: for example a dispute over the rightful claim to the group’s name and income following their mentor’s death.
The duo maintain roots in their rural home region, bear the responsibility of upholding tradition, and balance that with music industry demands.
NET WORTH
Reliable figures for net worth are not publicly available for Abafana Baka Mgqumeni, as is common for many traditional music artists in South Africa. Their income is likely derived from album sales, live performance bookings, streaming royalties, and endorsements or appearances. Given their award history and decade‐long career, they have likely achieved moderate financial stability within their niche genre.
LIST OF ALBUMS & SONGS
Some of the albums and songs by Abafana Baka Mgqumeni include:
• 6 to 6 (album) – which garnered a SAMA award.
• Iphakade Lami (album) – released as a marker of their ten‐year journey.
• I Love Bite (album) – a comeback release in 2024.
• EP Inja Enamarabi (feat. Jaiva Zimnike) – 2020 release.
• Single collaboration Ukubulawa Kwabesifazane (feat. Abafana Baka Mgqumeni) by Smangele.
POPULAR SONGS & ALBUMS
• The album 6 to 6 stands out as a highly celebrated work, earning Best Maskandi Album at the SAMAs.
• The recent comeback album I Love Bite (2024) signifies their resilience and renewed creative energy.
• Their lengthy industry tenure and award successes highlight them as one of the leading acts within traditional Maskandi music.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
- Facebook: @Abafana Baka Mgqumeni
- YouTube:@Abafana Baka Mgqumeni
- Spotify:@Abafana Baka Mgqumeni
- Apple Music :@Abafana Baka Mgqumeni
CONCLUSION
Abafana Baka Mgqumeni represent more than just musical talent, they embody the inheritance of a cultural lineage, the perseverance of two cousins who refused to let their mentor’s legacy fade, and the vitality of Zulu Maskandi in a changing musical world. From their humble beginnings in Nqutu, through early adversity and industry obstacles, to award-winning status and a renewed creative chapter with I Love Bite, their story is one of heritage, hope, and rhythmic soul. As they continue to Honor tradition while evolving, the duo stand as proud custodians and innovators of South Africa’s Maskandi artistry.
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