Ihhashi Elimhlophe Celebrates Unity and Faith in His New Album Ma-Afrika

Legendary maskandi artist Ihhashi Elimhlophe is proud to announce the release of his new album, Ma-Afrika — a powerful collection of songs that celebrate unity, love, culture, and faith. The title track, Ma-Afrika, sets the tone for the entire album, carrying a message of strength and togetherness among Africans.

The feature highlights the album’s deep themes of unity, love, culture, and faith — as well as Ihhashi Elimhlophe’s remarkable legacy as one of South Africa’s most influential maskandi artists.

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In an interview with OK Mzansi Magazine, Ihhashi Elimhlophe shared more about his latest project and his inspiring musical journey.

1. Congratulations on the release of Ma-Afrika! What inspired the album’s title and its focus on unity and strength among Africans?

The song Ma-Afrika is a person who loves people, who loves to be quiet. When I speak about Ma-Afrika, I’m speaking about if we could come together as Africans, we can create something beautiful because God loves us and blesses us. In Africa, we have everything — if Africa can come together, something big can happen. If we support each other, success will always happen.

2. In Ibhola Lom’bhoxo, you use a rugby metaphor to describe love. How did you come up with this creative concept, and what message do you hope listeners take from it?

The song Ibhola Lom’bhoxo — when you look at the players playing Ibhola Lom’bhoxo (rugby) — whoever throws the ball makes sure that the one who catches the ball doesn’t let it fall to the ground. When the ball falls, they fight again to take it to the end of the line. Love needs the same thing — hold onto love with both hands to have peace, because where you’re loved correctly, there’s peace.

3. Isigege blends cultural symbolism with romance. How important is it for you to preserve and celebrate traditional Zulu culture through your music?

Isigege speaks about an attire that is worn by men that was created by their women. It’s a way a woman shows her love to her partner.

4. Songs like uJehova (Revisit) and Wavuma uSomandla reflect deep spirituality. How does faith continue to influence your music and your journey as an artist?

These songs are songs that I thank God with. I’m here not by my own way but because I belong to God. It’s by God’s mercy. When I look back at where I come from and see where I am today, it wasn’t easy to get here — but because of God’s grace, I am here. When you trust in God, God will stand with you.

5. You’ve been in the music industry for decades, with 28 studio albums to your name. How does Ma-Afrika differ from your earlier projects?

All of my albums, when I count them all, are about 30. I make sure my music isn’t the same because I do what I love. There are so many songs that I still haven’t recorded yet.

6. What message do you want young South Africans to take away from Ma-Afrika — both musically and culturally?

The message that I can pass on from an older person to a younger person is that you have to love your job, not the money. Once you start loving your job, your work will be beautiful, and the money will just come. You must have respect and love for other people. You need to love yourself so that you can love others. Another important thing is support — you need to have support so that you can go further.

7. You’ve collaborated with legends like Phuzekhemisi, Mfaz’Omnyama, and more recently with artists like Mörda and Thakzin. How have these collaborations shaped your sound over the years?

I have collaborated with over 20 artists. Coming together and meeting other artists is a beautiful thing because there are things that I learn from them, and there’s something they learn from me. When we all come together and do the same thing, it becomes a success because you work with one spirit — and we can feel that what we’re doing has to be beautiful.

8. As one of the few artists who master the 14-string guitar, how does this instrument contribute to the distinct sound of your music?

The guitar that I have doesn’t have 14 strings; I play a guitar that has 12 strings. I feel good because there’s a difference between a person who plays a guitar with 6 strings and one with 12 strings. The 12-string guitar that I have doesn’t sound the same, and they aren’t set the same — it also has different parts. It’s the guitar that I can feel in my heart.

9. You’ve always blended traditional maskandi with modern influences. How do you ensure your sound stays relevant to new generations while honouring its roots?

When you want something new to appeal to you, mix something that people love with what you’re doing. That way, people can know that it’s their favourite beat, but the beat that we artists also love is there in the song.

10. The album touches on love, culture, faith, and leadership — all powerful themes. How did you balance these different emotions and messages in one body of work?

What I can say is that God really blessed me with the gift of writing and knowing how to create things. Like I’ve mentioned before, I have a lot of songs that I haven’t recorded and are just sitting there so that when I want to record, I just listen to which songs I want to add to my albums. That isn’t being smart — that is God’s grace.

11. Looking back at your journey from KwaBiyela to Johannesburg and beyond, what moments stand out as defining milestones in your career?

I can say that the time that makes me happiest in my life is recording my first album — and it became popular. Another thing I love is that my family and I support each other; we work together in the industry. I’m the manager here at home, and my children are also in the industry.

12. Maskandi continues to evolve — what is your view on the genre’s current direction and the new artists who are carrying it forward?

We all listen to Maskandi, but there are different kinds of Maskandi songs. We can hear by the guitar which kind of Maskandi the artist is playing. We don’t play the same tune — my wife is from Nongoma, and I’m from KwaBiyela. You can hear the guitar strings coming together, but the tune is different.

13. What’s next for Ihhashi Elimhlophe after Ma-Afrika? Are there any upcoming tours, collaborations, or special projects your fans should look out for?

Right now, I’m shooting videos for the album I’m working on. I’m also busy with promotions. Another thing I’d like to say to upcoming artists is that I’d like for you to promote younger artists because it’s important for those who are moving forward to help those behind.