Khuzani Nkosikhona Innocent Mpungose (born December 3, 1989), professionally known as Khuzani or khuba is a South African singer and businessman. Born and raised in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal, he rose to prominence after participating in Mgqumeni's posthumous 2010 album iSecret.
Career Khuzani Nkosikhona Innocent Mpungose was born on December 3, 1989, in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal. He matriculated at Sibhakabhaka High School in 2009.
That same year, Mpungose was appointed by Shobeni Khuzwayo to complete the late Mgqumeni's album iSecret.
His debut studio album Bahluleke Bonke was released in 2011. It won Best Selling Album at the Amatshontsho ka Maskandi Awards.
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.
In the first quarter of 2019, he participated in the Gcwalisa iMabhida Maskandi Concert.
His single "Ijele" featuring Luve Dubazane was released on November 27, 2020. It won Ukhozi FM Top 10 Song of the Year by 900k votes close to a million votes.
In October 2021, Mpungose performed at the Dubai Expo.
Honours In April 2021, Mpungose was honoured at the Nkandla Mayoral Awards for his outstanding achievement in the Maskandi genre.
Mpungose was also awarded with Cultural Icon in Maskandi Music Award at the Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards and Diplomatic Summit in Oxford, United Kingdom in September 2026.
Controversies
Khuzani has 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.
Discography Studio albums Bahluleke Bonke (2011) Amampunge (2012) Sixosha Amambuka (2013) Inj'emnyama (2014) Isihlahla Samavukane (2015) Inyoni Yomthakathi (2016) Isixaxa Samaxoki (2017) Inhlinini Yoxolo Part 1 (2018) Inhlinini Yoxolo Part 2 (2018) Inhloko Nes'Xhanti (2019) Ispoki Esingafi (2020) Inja Nogodo (2021) Umqhele nethawula (2022) Aliboli Icala (2023) Angidlali Nezingane (2024) Inhlanhla Izanebhadi (2025)
Guest appearances TitleYearOther artist(s)Album"Angimale"2020SimmyTugela Fairy (Made of Stars) Other charted and certified songs + List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA"Angidlali Nezingane" (Khuzani featuring Thibela) 2024 21Angidlali Nezingane "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Awards and nominations Awards/CeremonyYearCategoryResults South African Music Awards 2017Best Maskandi Album Amantshontsho kaMaskandi AwardsSong of the Year Best SellingBest AlbumKZN Entertainment Awards2020KZN's Most Loved South African Traditional Music Awards2021 South African Music Awards 2023 Best Maskandi Album HAPA awards2025Best Male Artist (African) HAPA awards2025Best Independent Artist South African Music Awards 2025Best Maskandi Album
References