From Nkandla to the maskandi stage: Sosebabayo unleashes ngu-ZERO, a 16-track musical statement.

For Ntobeko Sosibo, music is not a career that suddenly appeared overnight. It is a passion that has followed him from the classrooms and school stages of his childhood to the recording studios of Durban and, today, into a new chapter of his journey as an independent Maskandi artist.

Born and raised in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, Sosibo discovered his love for performance at an early age. Singing, dancing and acting came naturally to him, and by 2004, while still in primary school, he was already performing at school events and taking part in creative activities.

What began as the enthusiasm of a young performer gradually became a lifelong commitment. As he progressed through high school, his musical abilities continued to develop, while his exposure to performance helped shape the artist he would eventually become. His journey would later take him to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his passion for Maskandi continued to grow.

From Maskandi dancer to recording artist

Sosibo's relationship with Maskandi was not initially limited to singing.

In 2010, he began working as a Maskandi dancer under the guidance of Simesihle Buthelezi's group. The experience allowed him to immerse himself in the performance culture of the genre while sharpening his stagecraft and artistic expression.

Five years later, in 2015, he established the Sos'ebebayo brand, adopting the name as his professional stage identity. Since then, he has steadily built his career as a solo artist, working with a growing network of musicians and performers. His catalogue includes collaborations with artists such as Bahubhe, Limit Nala, Mjolisi, Mdumazi, Thwasa Lekhansela, Mjabulisi and Luve Dubazane.

While he has yet to receive major industry awards, Sosibo says his journey has included winning competitions during his time in Pietermaritzburg and performing at a number of events. His music has also previously received exposure on community radio stations, particularly during his younger years, although he admits that he no longer remembers the names of all the stations that played his music.

For an independent artist, those early moments of radio exposure and live performance became important building blocks in a career that has largely been developed outside the mainstream music industry.

A catalogue built through perseverance

Sosibo's recording career has produced multiple bodies of work. His debut album, “Anniversary Emjolweni,” was released in April 2010 and featured collaborations with artists including Sphamandla Zwane, SBAMBA, Owodwa and Ukugiya Kwebhungu.

In April 2025, he released his second album, “IMANUAL YEMPILO,” featuring collaborations with Bahubhe, Thwasa Lekhansela, Sbhomane, Thandeka Hadebe, Mjabulisi Sbamba and Ukugiya Kwebhungu.

Now, he is introducing audiences to his latest project, “Ngu Zero,” a 16-track album that represents another step in his evolution as an independent Maskandi musician.

The project explores a broad range of human experiences, with Sosibo describing it as an album carrying different messages around love, relationships and life.

"The album is designed to offer something for different listeners," he said.

'Senzeni' leads the project

The current lead song from the album is Senzeni follwed by Lento Oyenzayo featuing Luve Dubazane. The track is intended to introduce audiences to the new project while showcasing Sosibo's willingness to collaborate with other voices within the Maskandi space.

The album itself was independently produced by Sosibo.

The album was recorded at Downhill Studio in Durban with engineering handled by Mantongomane Mbanjwa. That independent production approach is an important part of Sosibo's story. Rather than waiting for a major record label to define his career, he has taken responsibility for developing his music, producing his project and building his audience himself.

Building a career without waiting for recognition

Sosibo's story is also one of persistence. Despite years in music, he says he has not yet received formal industry awards. His recognition has instead come through competitions, performances, collaborations, radio exposure and the support of listeners.

That journey reflects the reality faced by many independent artists in South Africa's music industry, where talent does not always translate into immediate mainstream recognition.

"The absence of major awards has not stopped my music. Instead, it has pushed me to continue creating. My collaborations with established and emerging maskandi performers have also helped me to expand my artistic network," he said.

Taking Maskandi to a wider audience

Sosibo's music is available through music stores as well as digital platforms, with YouTube and Spotify among the platforms he currently identifies as key outlets for his music.

The album has 16 songs and he featured prominent maskandi artists including, Mdumazi, Mnotho Majola, Mjolisi and Limit Nala. The project brings together stories of love, relationships and life, while showcasing an artist determined to keep building his career on his own terms. For Sosibo, the journey is far from over.

The young performer who once sang at school events has grown into an independent Maskandi artist who is now producing his own music, collaborating across the genre and building a catalogue that reflects the experiences of his life and the world around him.

The next chapter of the Sos'ebebayo story has begun.

Listen and follow Sos'ebebayo

• YouTube: Sos'ebebayo

• Spotify: Sos'ebebayo

• Facebook: Sos'ebebayo

• TikTok: @sosebabayo7na

• Instagram: Sosebabayo

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