Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
TikTok has recently been inundated with dance challenges and Tshibilika/rhumba artiste Nkinga is behind some of the hits that have been setting social media ablaze. Musicians such as Nomfundo Mo, Berita, Mai TT and Nonkayezi Lubisi have all utilised his music for dance routines and to promote their brands, capitalising on its popularity.
Perhaps what has endeared people to Nkinga and his songs are his iconic ad-libs, including “Isitulo angisasifuni,” “Yekela ngopholishe,” “Isondo phansi mfana — Ingqina phansi,” “Sengifuna ukuzimela,” “Yekela Zidabhayile,” “Kuyakaze kuyajiya lokhu,” “Yenza masinyane,” “Yekela ukuxokozela lapho,” “Bayadelela abantu, bafuna umzaca,” “Tshibilika mama ngiboni figure,” and “Yekela Zishaya Fah.”
Nkinga’s real name is Trust Ndlovu and he hails from Lupane but grew up in Mbembesi, koPhulula. He leads the band Nkinga and Khakhakha Sounds, which includes Mcleand Banda, Nkosi Banda and Libion Gabaz Ndlovu.
Nkinga started as a gospel singer in 2017 before switching to Tshibilika and rhumba, rising to fame with his hit song AmaWhatsApp/AmaPhone. He has since released albums such as Ndikimba, Kudida Umqondo — Social Distance and Sizotika Lonyaka among others.
“I started as a gospel musician, leading the band Trust and the Gospel Crew in 2017, primarily performing in Lupane,” Nkinga explained.
“At first, I wanted to preach the word of God but I later decided to change my career and venture into Tshibilika music. Watching other bands play inspired me and with the help of others, I taught myself how to play the guitar. I can say that music is in my blood,” said Nkinga.
He said he created his own ad-libs to stand out. “I didn’t want to copy or steal other people’s sayings, like ‘Awuzweke’ (Ndolwane Super Sounds) or ‘Batshele’ (Ndux Junior). If someone uses ‘Kazidabhayile,’ for example, I don’t see it as them stealing my slogan.”
Nkinga said he created his own ad-libs to stand out and explained some of the ad-libs that have brought him fame.
“Some of the sayings mean exactly what they imply. For example, ‘Isitulo angisasifuni, sengifuna ukuzimela’ means ‘I’m tired of sitting, I want to stand.’ It could be at a party or any gathering where someone feels like standing up. ‘Yekela Zidabhayile’ means ‘Let’s have fun!’ and Isondo phansi unyawo phansi’ means ‘Let’s dance, or let’s take dancing seriously.”
Nkinga revealed that most of his songs come to him in dreams.
“The songs I compose usually come to me in dreams. After that, I reflect on what’s happening in society, and the songs take shape. For example, AmaWhatsApp was inspired by observing that when families are at home, mothers, fathers and children are all on their phones.
Instead of spending quality time together, they’re all on WhatsApp talking to friends and other people.”
He noted that such behaviour often leads to conflicts at home.
“A lot of fights at home could be avoided if people didn’t spend all their time on their phones. With the song, I was trying to make people understand that they should not always be on their phones.”
Looking ahead, Nkinga is eager to release new music this year and build on the TikTok fame that has taken over Southern Africa as well as pockets of the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and Canada.
Online Reporter