Mpatheni Khumalo aka Mfaz Omnyama was a giant of Maskandi music, a great guitar player and inventive lyricist. When I first heard his music I remember thinking that this is where the soul of Africa resides. This may sound like hyperbole but just listening to his classic single Khula Tshitshi Lami – a quintessential Mfaz Omnyama song – you realize that Mfaz Omnyama played and sang with a rare passion. He really put his guts and his heart into his music. In a musical landscape where everyone looks like they’re acting in front of a mirror, that’s something that stands out.
‘The best of Mfaz Omnyama’ is one of the few records that I’ve played all the way through, first time, then pushed “play” and listened to all the way through again. The former mine worker was discovered when he entered a competition for Maskandi musicians and was spotted by Bhodloza Nzimande.
The stand out tracks from The album Ngesebenzile Mama:
Khula Tshitshi Lam
Kusele Kancane
Iyabiza Lendoda
Wena Mawenze nje
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he was great indid
Ja neh, I do not really listen to Maskandi music but Mfaz’ omnyama stands out, I am actually playing Ngisebenzile mama on my PC. Ja….
at any event to have such a person, represent part of who you as an individual is beyond words. I think it would be safe to say that his spirit strongly survives him.till to date no really mesures up the stanandard set by this legend, and refusal to acknowledge that is sheer foolishness. The pleasant sound that was given out by his tight guiter strings is something else.
he was great,what i can say is “ziyahamba intsizwa kusala izibongo”
i can say he was doing his thing and we still recognise him as well as his music.ngeke simlibale……..
Ngisebenzile Mama, a true classic among others. I just can’t get enough of the song. The Voice, Guitar, Tempo and the message is clear and relevent.
He is a legend….
He was vibrant in music industry, as well as one of the remarkable instrument conserving culture through music. This including the song “Abafazi ba namthlanje bayajola nomatarveni.” Even though am in Malawi but still i enjoy the Mbaqanga & Maskandi music.
Indeed a great maskdi mucician of all time. I believe his music will be always appreciated since content relevant e.g ngisebenzile mama, ayangizonda lamadoda. I like his music.
may his sould rest in peace!!! listining2 akujolwa kanjena!!!
He made u realise dat indeed u r a south african,may his soul rest in peace…can anyone email me izibongo zakhe on msanelindokuhle@yahoo.cm
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Ngiyaw’thandau music kaMfazi cha salahlekelwa yiqhawe!
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A giant. Weep not. He ran a good race. Mpatheni rests in peace.
Red sky at night shepherds delight; red sky in the morning, shepherds warning
I had been enjoying all of Johnny Clegg’s music , when by chance one day , I parked my work vehicle near the entrance to a block of flats and heard the most lively and exuberant “Bantu music” coming from the gardeners
room. I thought to myself , ” who the hell is THAT musician “.I went in and enquired immediately.I was told that it was Mfaz Omnyama .The song playing was NGIYA SHISA BHE ….wow man , this artists music is ledgendary . I went downtown and bought many of his albums on CD , ay man,,, what a treat .His music is LIFE , it gives one fresh perspective with ones endeavours , no matter what it is . Mfaz’ really did what he did WELL !! Get some and find out quickly that you’ve been missing out !
I had the opportunity to work with this legend. A well gifted man indeed. We worked together till his last day, and I was given the opportunity to direct his funeral (see CD with his funeral). Death robbed fellow South African a telented and a jovial man. I still listen to hos music that was mostly composed in my presence as if they were released yesterday….In my world he is in Bob Marley’s league. Lala Mzilikazi Ka Mashobane, Qoma Ntombi ngafa inhlamba kanyoko!
I agree with Caeser his music and guitar wizardry could be compared to the likes of jimmy Hendrix….rare talent is only given to us for a little while!!!
In Zulu we would say “ezingasoze zabuna!!!!” Those that will never grow old or loosely “those that will remain forever fresh!”
ezingasoze zabuna ngempela madoda, but there is one song ireally more dan enjoy,: ngisheli intimbi edlula la esangweni anginayo inkomo zokukyilobola: