| Background: | person |
| Khuzani | |
| Birth Name: | Khuzani Nkosikhona Innocent Mpungose |
| Birth Date: | 3 December 1989 |
| Birth Place: | Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Genre: | Maskandi |
| Occupation: | Singer-songwriter |
| Years Active: | 2009–present |
| Label: | Izingane Zoma Promotion (2009-2016) Indlamlenze Group & Production (2017-active) |
Khuzani Nkosikhona Innocent Mpungose (born December 3, 1989) professionally known as Khuzani is a South African maskandi singer. Born and raised in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, he rose to prominence after participating on Mgqumeni's album iSecret 2009.
Khuzani Nkosikhona Innocent Mpungose was born December 3, 1989, in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.[1] He matriculated at Sibhakabhaka High School in 2009.[1]
That same year, Mpungose was appointed by Shobeni Khuzwayo to complete the late Mgqumeni's album iSecret.[1] [2]
His debut studio album Bahluleke Bonke was released in 2011.[2] The album won Best Selling Album at the Amatshontsho ka Maskandi Awards.[2]
On April 7, 2017, his seventh studio album Isixaxa Samaxoki released. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) two weeks after its release.[3]
In the first quarter of 2019, he participated in the Gcwalisa iMabhida Maskandi Concert.[4] [5]
His single "Ijele" featuring Luve Dubazane was released on November 27, 2020. The song won Ukhozi FM Top 10 Song of the Year by 900k votes close to a million votes.[6] [7]
In October 2021, Mpungose performed at the Dubai Expo.[8]
In April 2021, Mpungose was honoured at Nkandla Mayoral Awards for his outstanding achievement in the Maskandi genre.[9]
Feuds
He has a long disputes with his fellow maskandi artist Mthandeni SK and politician and former radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu.
On 30 September 2023,Khuzani punched Influencer Quality Biyela at an event at Settlers Park in Ladysmith.[10] The reason behind a fight is believed they disputed who deserve and must inherit nickname "ILEMBE" of a Zulu monarchy Shaka kaSenzangakhona Zulu " after few weeks of airing Shaka Ilembe series episodes.The event happened before Biyela shared a video on social media saying he is the only "Ilembe" He insinuated that khuzani is "Ilebe"(derogatory word) not Ilembe.Biyela opened case of assault. Later posted a video that he is not beefing with Khuzani and dropped charges.[11]
| Awards/Ceremony | Year | Category | Results | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Best Maskandi Album | [12] | |||
| Amantshontsho kaMaskandi Awards | Song of the Year | [13] | |||
| Best Selling | |||||
| Best Album | |||||
| KZN Entertainment Awards | 2020 | KZN's Most Loved | [14] | ||
| South African Traditional Music Awards | 2021 | [15] | |||
| South African Music Awards | 2023 | Best Maskandi Album | [16] |