• Fans are shocked that the voice behind many big hits has been left off the list for major events like Khuzani’s wedding.

• Some believe his rise to fame has threatened established stars like Luvé Dubazane leading to him being sidelined.

The people’s darling of Maskandi has vanished from the stage.

Thobelani Buthelezi, better known as Shenge waseHlalankosi, has had a massive year. His voice is everywhere on the radio, shaping some of the biggest traditional songs of 2025.

But as the festive season hits its peak, Shenge is nowhere to be seen.

His absence from major music festivals has sparked whispers of a feud within the fiercely competitive “amabhinca” circles.

Fans are asking why the sensation from Nongoma is being ignored by event organisers.

When Shenge burst onto the scene, he immediately challenged the hierarchy. He was seen as a direct rival to Luvé Dubazane, the long-time king of backing vocals who works with giants like Khuzani.

Many argue that Shenge has matched, or even surpassed, Luvé’s influence.

Now, it seems he might be paying the price for his popularity.

The most glaring snub is his omission from “Udwendwe lukaKhuzani”. The prestigious traditional wedding event takes place this Monday in Nkandla.

It features the finest Maskandi talent in KwaZulu-Natal, yet Shenge is not on the list.

For an artist whose harmonies have defined so many recent hits, his absence is “like a missing drum in an otherwise thunderous ensemble”.

Pictured above: Maskandi star Shenge waseHlalankosi.

Image source: Music Africa