Why Mthandeni Sk (Igcokama Elisha) and Khuzani Are Rivals

Mthandeni SK vs. Khuzani Mpungose: The Biggest Rivalry in Maskandi

The feud between Mthandeni SK (Igcokama Elisha) and Khuzani Mpungose is one of the most intense rivalries in the Maskandi music industry. Over the years, their competition for dominance, fan loyalty, and personal disputes have fueled a long-standing conflict. Here’s a breakdown of their journey from friends to fierce rivals.

1. From Friends to Enemies

Mthandeni and Khuzani were once on good terms. In his early career, Mthandeni was part of Khuzani’s circle and even appeared in some of his performances. However, as Mthandeni gained popularity and built his own fan base, tensions arose, leading to a competitive rivalry.

2. Root Causes of the Rivalry

The conflict between the two artists stems from several key factors:

Competition for Maskandi Supremacy: Khuzani had already established himself as a leading Maskandi artist when Mthandeni rose to fame. Their growing success led to comparisons and fan debates over who was the best.
Allegations of Betrayal: Some fans accused Mthandeni of distancing himself from Khuzani after becoming famous, which created animosity.
Musical Clashes: Both artists have released diss tracks aimed at each other, escalating their rivalry.

3. The Intensity of Their Feud

Fan Clashes & Social Media Wars: Their fans, known as Igcokama Nation (Mthandeni) and Blue Nation (Khuzani), frequently engage in heated arguments online. These tensions have sometimes led to physical altercations at events.
Concert Rivalry: Both artists organize massive concerts to showcase their dominance. Whenever one books a big stadium, the other tries to outdo them.

4. Notable Incidents in the Feud

Several major incidents have escalated their conflict:

Fan-Related Violence

Tragic Stabbing Over Ukhozi FM Song of the Year (2023): On December 31, 2023, a 25-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Empangeni during a dispute over Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year competition. Khuzani’s song Umjolo Lowo won, while Mthandeni’s Paris (featuring Lwa Ndlunkulu) was the runner-up. The incident demonstrated the extreme loyalty of their fan bases.
Family Attacked Over Song Rankings: A family in KwaZulu-Natal was attacked over disagreements about the competition. In response, Khuzani donated R20,000 to assist them and called for peace among fans.

Physical Clashes Between Their Teams

Dancers’ Confrontation at Goduka Music Festival (2022): During the Goduka Festival in Umlazi, tensions escalated as dancers from both camps nearly fought on stage.
Stage Disruption at Mthandeni’s Summer Experience (2025): In January 2025, at Mthandeni’s Summer Experience event in eMdletsheni, 18-year-old singer Naledi Aphiwe was booed and pelted with bottles while trying to perform Ubaba Ulala Nami during Khuzani’s set, showcasing the heated rivalry between their supporters.

Allegations of Witchcraft

In the Maskandi industry, artists sometimes accuse each other of using traditional means (umuthi) to weaken their rivals. Rumors have surfaced that one of them might be using dark powers to gain an advantage.

Mthandeni SK vs Khuzani Mpungose

5. Attempts at Reconciliation

Efforts to mend their relationship have largely failed:

Mdletshe Tribal Authority’s Intervention (2017): About seven years ago, traditional leaders tried to mediate their conflict, leading to a temporary truce.
Public Appeal for Peace (2024): After the Ukhozi FM controversy, Mthandeni urged his followers to forgive Khuzani and discouraged violence, but tensions remain high.

6. Current Status of the Rivalry

The feud between Mthandeni and Khuzani is still active. They continue to compete for dominance, release music that subtly disses each other, and lead two of the most devoted fan bases in Maskandi.

Final Thoughts

While their rivalry has caused negative incidents, it has also contributed to the growth of Maskandi music. Their competition has drawn more attention to the genre, increasing its fan base and pushing both artists to improve their craft. However, the intensity of their feud remains a double-edged sword, sometimes leading to unfortunate incidents in the industry.

Despite the drama, one thing is certain—Mthandeni SK and Khuzani Mpungose remain two of the biggest names in Maskandi today.

Sources:

1. https://briefly.co.za/entertainment/celebrities/196035-khuzani-claims-mthandeni-sama-nomination-based-favouritism

2. https://www.zimoja.co.za/articles/Mthandeni-begs-his-music-followers-to-forgive-Khuzani

3. https://www.zimoja.co.za/articles/Khuzani-Mpungose-wants-Mthandeni-Manqele-to-beg-him-for-votes-from-his-fans