The echoes of maskandi music filled the air at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg on Friday as fans, family, and fellow musicians gathered to honour the life and legacy of beloved artist Scebi Dlamini, widely known by his stage name Inkosi Yamagcokama. The memorial service, which drew a somber yet celebratory crowd, served as a poignant farewell to a musician whose deep, storytelling voice and mastery of the traditional Zulu guitar style had made him a towering figure in the genre.
Dlamini’s untimely death occurred last Sunday in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a fatal crash at a traffic light opposite Melomed Hospital. He was en route to the Basadi Let’s Dance Music Festival, where he had been scheduled to perform, when the accident claimed his life, sending shockwaves through the maskandi fraternity and beyond. He was just 34 years old.
At the Market Theatre, mourners clad in traditional attire and maskandi regalia gathered to share memories, sing his songs, and pay their respects. Speeches from fellow artists and industry figures painted a picture of a humble, dedicated musician who remained deeply connected to his roots even as his fame grew. Many recalled his hit songs that spoke of rural life, love, and social commentary—tracks that resonated with both older generations and younger listeners discovering the genre.
The memorial was also a moment of reflection on the broader maskandi community’s resilience, with calls for better road safety measures to protect artists who frequently travel long distances to performances. As the service concluded with a stirring acoustic rendition of one of Dlamini’s most beloved tracks, there was a collective sense of loss, but also gratitude—for the music he left behind, and for the spirit he brought to every stage. Inkosi Yamagcokama may have fallen, but his voice will continue to echo through the hills and valleys of South African music for generations to come.
About The Author
