Nyaniso Mfihlo

Nyaniso Mfihlo

Seven years after he disappeared, maskandi artist Fundukufa Ngcobo is still giving his friend and music partner, Mfihleni Mkhize, sleepless nights.

Mkhize, who has never stopped worrying about the whereabouts of Ngcobo, said he was now worried about the artist's family, who have also disappeared.

"I am very worried about the whereabouts of Ngcobo's wife and their two children, aged 11 and 16."

Mkhize said what makes him even more worried was that the family has not been

claiming their royalties since 2004.

"Ngcobo was like a brother to me. Every time I recorded an album I made sure that his family got a certain percentage of the royalties. The money is available, but I cannot get hold of his wife.

"I am really worried about their wellbeing," said Mkhize.

Unconfirmed reports say that Ngcobo was last seen in 2000 with his nephew. The two were said to be on their way to Welkom on a recording deal with someone named Edward.

Ngcobo and Mkhize released their popular album Izwi in 2000. The release sold 475000 copies, making it one of the most successful maskandi albums.

Their other release, Majasi, was also popular.