A royal among South African maskandi musicians, Mfaz’ Omnyama was discovered working in a mine by the former Ukhozi FM presenter Bhodloza Nzimande. Born Mpatheni Khumalo in the rural Zululand town of Nongoma in 1959, the singer, songwriter and deft left-handed guitarist released his debut album, Emazweni Baba, in 1997. The self-taught performer's familiarity with the mbaqanga tradition that informs maskandi was apparent in the booming voice and dangerously loping bass that characterise hits like "Khula Tshitshi Lami”, "Ngiyashisa Bhe!" and "Ngisebenzile Mama". To counter the damaging rivalries that regularly disrupted the maskandi scene, Mfaz' joined fellow stars Phuzekhemisi and Ihhashi Elimhlophe in the supergroup Izingqungqulu Zomhlaba. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer ended his inspiring career in 2001.