By Sihle Mkhize
Legendary musician Ihhashi Elimhlophe is taking steps to help in alleviating poverty.
He aims to ensure that the era of musicians dying as paupers comes to an end.
Ihhashi Elimhlophe aims to help upcoming artists across the country with his new initiative.
His new project, Ihhashi Movement will be launched at World of Yamaha, in Sandton on November 30.
The Amawaza Waza hit maker went for a talent search in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
With the talent he unearthed there, he formed his new Maskandi group Ihhashi Movement.
Ihhashi Elimhlophe, which aptly means “white Horse”, embarked on this journey with an aim to uplift disadvantaged musicians.
Speaking to The Purpose, Ihhashi remembered the poverty stricken conditions that he grew up in.
He says these moulded him to become the well-honed musician he is today.
“My father was a polygamous man. He had eight wives,” says the musician whose real name is Bheki Ngcobo.
“Unfortunately, me and my siblings grew up under poor conditions.
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“I ended up leaving home to go and look for a job at the age of 10.
“I worked on farms and earned R2.50 a month and that is what I supported my family with.
“I can recall the day I bought my first guitar, it cost me R7.50,” he said.
He further said these harsh experiences led him to look after those who are in need of help.
Ihhashi Movement has already recorded two songs, namely Siyabangena and Luyogqunqa Ugedle.
Ihhashi urged the Minister of Sports, Art and Culture to support the course and make this project more effective in changing people’s lives.
