Abafana bakaMgqumeni is a group formed in 2012 by Nelisani Ndlemnyama and Sakhiseni Mseleku after the death of their brother Mgqumeni Kwakhe Mseleku. They named the group Abafana bakaMgqumeni, also known as EzaseNdlunkulu to keep the legacy of their late cousin Mgqumeni Kwakhe Mseleku. The group has worked with artists such as Ihashi Elimhlophe, Mfiliseni Magubane, Mjikijelwa, Alli Mgube, Shwi no Mntekhala, Jaiva Zimnike, Umthandeni, Khuzani Mpongose, Phuzekhemesi, Thokozani Langa, Imfezi Emnyama, Big Zulu, Jumbo and Mampintsha.
The group’s accolades are:
In 2017, 15 000 units were sold for the album “6 to 6” and was awarded a Gold Disc
Won a SAMA24 Award in 2018 for Best Maskandi Album for “6 to 6”
Won two Amantshontsho ka Maskandi Awards in 2018 for Best Stage Performance (Abafana bakaMgqumeni) and Best Song of the Year (Amagcokama)
Won two SATMA Awards in 2018 for Best Maskandi Album and Best Male Artist for “i-Crush Yami”
Won a SATMA Award in 2019 for Best Traditional Artist of the Year for the Album “Bawucisha Ngo Paraffin”
Won a SAMA27 Award in 2021 for Best Maskandi Album for “Imfene kaMakhelwane”
Abafana bakaMgqumeni released the album “Iphakade” Lami in 2022 and the singles “Isiyoyoyo” ft Shwi Mantombazane and “Kusho Abobaby” ft Imeya kazwelonke in 2023. The title track “Iphakade Lami” ft Mroza Van Dam has been nominated for a SAMA29 Award for Best Maskandi Album.
