Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, [email protected]
FOR Lindani Mpofu, better known by his stage name Mdingimpilo, Maskandi music is more than entertainment. It is a way of preserving culture, sharing life lessons and telling the stories of ordinary people. Through his music, the Tsholotsho-born artiste hopes to inspire young people to embrace their roots and take pride in their heritage.
Born in Sgodini in the Sbomvu area and raised in Sandawana, Tsholotsho, Mpofu says the values he learned from his grandparents continue to guide both his life and career.
“My grandparents raised me with wisdom and taught me the values of respect, hard work and perseverance. Those lessons continue to influence the music I make today because Maskandi is about telling real-life stories and passing on knowledge,” he said.
Like many young people growing up in rural Zimbabwe, Mpofu faced economic hardships from an early age.
Instead of breaking his spirit, those experiences became the inspiration behind the music he writes today.
“I started looking for money when I was still young. Life was not easy, but those struggles gave me strength and became the inspiration behind many of my songs. I wanted people to hear stories they could relate to.”
His love for music began when he was young, but it was in 2009 that he decided to take it seriously and pursue it as a career. At the time, few people knew his name, but he remained determined to succeed.
“I started recording and performing in 2009. At that time, very few people knew who I was, but I remained committed because I believed in my talent. Success does not come overnight and I knew I had to be patient.”
Over the years, he built his identity around the name Mdingimpilo, which has become familiar among Maskandi music followers.
“The name became my identity. Today many people know me as Mdingimpilo more than they know my birth name.”
While he had spent years performing and recording, Mpofu says a major turning point came in 2020 when he met fellow musician Bhekinkosi Ncube from Nsuza in Sgodini. The two shared a common vision of promoting Maskandi music and supporting local talent.
“It was after meeting my brother, Bhekinkosi Ncube that everything started changing. We shared the same vision of promoting Maskandi music and working together helped us reach more people.”
Their partnership led to the formation of OQed’Ukoma Music, a growing platform dedicated to promoting Maskandi music in Zimbabwe and creating opportunities for emerging artistes.
Mpofu says the initiative was founded to support musicians while ensuring that the genre remains true to its cultural roots.
“OQed’Ukoma Music is more than a music group. It is a movement that promotes Maskandi culture, supports artists and creates opportunities for musicians to showcase their talent.
“We want to preserve our traditions while also helping the genre grow.”
Beyond producing music, the organisation focuses on artist development, songwriting, live performances and promoting
Zimbabwean culture through traditional music. It also aims to nurture a new generation of performers who remain committed to authentic storytelling.
For Mpofu, Maskandi’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to reflect the realities of everyday life.
“Maskandi speaks about life. It talks about love, struggles, family, culture and the journey of people trying to make a better future. That is why it continues to connect with audiences.”
Despite the rise of modern music genres, he believes more young people are beginning to appreciate traditional music and the role it plays in preserving cultural identity.
“There is a growing appreciation for Maskandi. Young people are beginning to understand that our culture is something to be proud of. We want to continue producing quality music that will inspire future generations.”
As he looks ahead, Mpofu hopes to grow OQed’Ukoma Music into a recognised platform that helps upcoming artistes develop their careers while taking Zimbabwean Maskandi music to audiences across Africa and beyond.
“Our dream is to see Zimbabwean Maskandi recognised across Africa and beyond. We want to build a platform where artists can grow, perform and preserve our cultural identity through music,” he said.
For Mdingimpilo, the journey has never been about fame alone. It is about using music to preserve culture, celebrate identity and ensure that the stories of ordinary people continue to be heard for generations to come.
