Hundreds of mourners gathered at Mzisho Sports Ground in Msinga on Friday to pay their last respects to maskandi musician Scebi Dlamini, who died last week in a road crash in Richards Bay. Dlamini, an award-winning artist known to fans as “Inkos’yamagcokama”, was remembered at the funeral for his generosity and his efforts to develop local musical talent.
Family recalls a community-minded performer
At the service, Dlamini’s brother Nduduzo described him as a person who reached out to others regardless of social standing and who made empowerment within his family and community a priority. The brother emphasised Dlamini’s pride in his cultural roots and his insistence that family members be included in his projects — a practice he said symbolised unity.
“I call on people to continue with the spirit of development, and he was proud of his background and his tradition all the time,”
The funeral programme included performances by family members. Dlamini’s children sang one of the tracks he featured on, bringing the crowd to their feet with a rendition of the popular song “Vuma”. Fellow musicians and friends also attended to honour his contribution to maskandi music.
Legacy of mentorship and support for youth
Those gathered repeatedly highlighted Dlamini’s commitment to mentoring younger artists. Organisers and relatives said he frequently used his profile to open doors for emerging performers, offering them opportunities to play in his group and learn the trade. Attendees described him as someone who could relate easily to children and young people, encouraging them to develop their talents.
The funeral underscored how Dlamini’s work extended beyond performance to community development. Relatives urged mourners to carry on his spirit of upliftment and to continue supporting local artists and cultural programmes.
What happened: the crash and its immediate aftermath
According to prior reports, the car crash occurred in Richards Bay last week. Dlamini and fellow maskandi artist Sipho “Gupta” Mchunu were involved in the accident. The family noted that two other people remained in hospital.
No new official details about the circumstances of the collision or the condition of the injured were released at the funeral service. Police and emergency services previously attended the scene; any formal investigation would be handled by the relevant SAPS station and traffic authorities.
Why this matters locally
Maskandi is a deeply rooted Zulu musical tradition, and artists such as Dlamini play a significant role in keeping the genre visible and attracting younger generations. His death has been felt across KwaZulu‑Natal’s musical communities, from coastal towns to inland areas where maskandi has long been a living cultural practice.
- Community impact: Dlamini’s mentorship helped launch and sustain local careers.
- Cultural loss: His passing is a blow to preservation of maskandi music among youth.
- Road safety concern: The fatal crash raises questions about travel safety for performers and road users.
Practical information for the public
Family representatives asked that donations or offers of support be directed through channels they will confirm publicly. People wishing to pay tribute were encouraged to attend memorial events and to support the families of those still receiving medical care.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Funeral | Mzisho Sports Ground, Msinga — attended by family, friends and musicians |
| Incident | Car crash in Richards Bay; two other people hospitalised |
| Legacy focus | Mentorship, youth development, promotion of maskandi music |
As the music community absorbs this loss, relatives asked that Dlamini be remembered not only for his performances but for the practical ways he supported up‑and‑coming artists. Tributes have been coming in across the province, with calls to preserve and continue the traditions he championed.
Further details about memorials or charitable arrangements for the injured will be released by the family as they are confirmed.
