"ASIJOLI": Ntombeningi breaks silence on rumours

Before a single artist has taken to the stage, the inaugural Ugodo nePhinifa Music Festival has already become the subject of whispers, speculation and controversy.

At the centre of it is event founder Sabelo "Ntombeningi" Sithole, who has publicly dismissed rumours that he is romantically involved with his collaborator, Njabulo Langa, saying their relationship is purely professional and built on a shared vision to uplift communities.

"There have already been rumours that I'm sleeping with Njabulo, but that's simply not true. We're business partners and nothing more," Ntombeningi said.

He revealed that the gossip became so intense that Langa initially became uncomfortable being seen with him in public.

"He was scared to meet me in public because of my sexuality. He was worried people would assume we were in a relationship. But we are adults, we are business partners and we have one goal, making this event a success," said Sthole.

Rather than allowing the rumours to derail the project, the pair have pressed ahead with what they hope will become one of the country's biggest celebrations of traditional music and social empowerment.

Ugodo nePhinifa Music Festival will take place on 1 August 2026 at the Soweto Equestrian Centre in Moroka, Soweto.

The festival runs from 12 noon until midnight and features a strong line-up of maskandi and traditional music performers, including Mjolisi, Somcwayi, Uzondi, Mnyovu, Imfezemnyama, Feza, Khuthuza, Quality, Mjikelo, Limit Ntencane, Mthandeni SK, Mbali, Zuke, Inkosi Yamagcokama, Ntombeyningi, Mzukulu, Menzi, Queen Lolly and Qhabula.

Tickets are priced at R150 (General), R600 (VIP) and R1,500 (VVIP), with organisers stressing that no tickets will be sold at the gate.

More than a music festival

Ntombeningi says the event is rooted in a much deeper purpose than entertainment.

Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, he says his life's mission has been shaped by watching the struggles endured by women in his own family while growing up.

Those experiences inspired him to establish Abafazi Bamaphinifa, a platform designed to empower women through conversation, mentorship and professional guidance.

"I looked at my upbringing and all the hardships women went through," said Ntombeningi.

"They're mothers, wives, sisters and professionals working eight-to-five jobs, yet they remain unsung heroes. I wanted to create a space where women could meet, discuss their challenges and receive professional advice," he said.

Working alongside Magnolia, the initiative encourages women to support one another while promoting self-worth and personal growth. But Ntombeningi says the journey has evolved.

After partnering with Njabulo, the son of legendary maskandi musician Thokozani Langa, the organisers decided the conversations should include men as well.

"Men also struggle with mental health, but many don't speak about it. We want to encourage and inspire them, empower them to believe in themselves, pursue education, start businesses and become active in building their own futures," he said.

The result is a collaboration between Abafazi Bamaphinifa and AmaBhinca, blending music with discussions around mental health, entrepreneurship, family and community development.

For Ntombeningi, the rumours surrounding his friendship with Langa are merely a distraction from the bigger picture.

"Our focus is not on gossip. It's on changing lives through music, conversation and empowerment," he said.

If the organisers succeed, Ugodo nePhinifa Music Festival could become more than another date on the entertainment calendar, it could establish itself as a platform where culture, healing and community development meet under one roof.