Bheki Ngcobo (born 28 December 1959), known by his stage name Ihhashi Elimhlophe, is a South African Maskandi musician known for his solo debut album Hololo (1986).
Ihhashi Elimhlophe appeared in the kwaito song “Muntuza” with Brothers of Peace. He played King Ndukuzakhe in the Mzansi Magic drama series Ifalakhe.
| Ihhashi Elimhlophe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Name: | Bheki Ngcobo |
| Born: | 28 December 1959 (age 66 years old) |
| Place of birth: | KwaBiyela, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Instruments: | Vocals, guitar |
| Genre: | Maskandi |
| Spouse: | Linah Ngcobo |
| Children: | 4 |
Early Life
Ihhashi Elimhlophe was born on 28 December 1959 in KwaBiyela, KwaZulu-Natal. He learned how to play the guitar from his uncle, Thwalofu. In 1976, he left his village, KwaBiyela, for Johannesburg to pursue opportunities in music.
Career
Ihhashi Elimhlophe started his music career performing at weddings and traditional ceremonies. He worked with Jabu Sibumbe of Stimela to release his self-titled album, Ihhashi Elimhlophe.
The veteran musician joined the multi-award-winning Mbhaqanga outfit, Soul Brothers, as a bass guitarist and later became the lead singer for the group’s junior outfit, Imitshotshovu. He was a musician and songwriter for the band Amagcokama.
In 1986, he officially adopted the name Ihhashi Elimhlophe and released his debut solo album, Hololo. He was featured on the Kwaito song “Muntuza” with Brothers of Peace. He released the song ‘Umvumo’ from his Siyabonga album and his 29th album, Ama Waza Waza, in 2019.
Ihhashi Elimhlophe celebrated 45 Years in music at Theatre on the Square in Sandton in 2024. He has collaborated with artists across genres, including kwaito, hip hop, jazz, Afro-pop, House, boeremusiek, gospel, choral, and urban pop.
Aside from music, Ihhashi Elimhlophe has appeared in television shows. He appeared in the SABC1 music talk show Zaziwa, hosted by Pearl Modiadie in 2017.
He made his acting debut as King Ndukuzakhe in the Mzansi Magic drama series Ifalakhe in 2019. With his family, he stars in their own reality show, Ofuze. He is one of the lead actors on uZulu no Mhlaba, a new series on Mzansi Magic.
Personal Life
Ihhashi Elimhlophe is married to Linah Ngcobo (Ebony). The couple has four children – two daughters, Ntombee Mzolo and Vusiwe Ngcobo, and two sons, Jabu and Nathi.
References
- Theo Nyhaba. “Ihashi Elimhlophe thanks his wife as he celebrates 45 years in music”. Zimoja.
- Ano Shumba. “SA maskandi musician inks Universal deal”. Music in Africa.
- Andiswa Ngenyane. “Ihhashi Elimhlophe TO MAKE HIS ACTING DEBUT!”. Daily Sun.
- Siya Tsewu. “The Ngcobo family lets the country into their lives on the new reality show, Ofuze”. Drum.
- TVSA. “Bheki Ngcobo – Bio”. www.tvsa.co.za.
- Noko Mashilo. “Ihashi Goes House”. Daily Sun.
- Music In Africa. “Ihhashi Elimhlophe – Bio”. www.musicinafrica.net.
- Samantha Mochele. “Music legends Ihashi Elimhlophe and Linah Ngcobo celebrate 4 decades of marriage”. Bona Magazine.
