Ihhashielimhlope is the stage name of Bheki Ncgobo, a Maskandi musician from Kwa Biyela, KwaZulu-Natal. As a young man, he sought out new prospects in Johannesburg and moved there from his rural hometown. Before he became famous, he was a bass guitarist for the groundbreaking band Soul Brothers.

Later, he went out on his own and began a solo career, and it was during a music event that he met his future wife, Linah Khama Ncqobo (aka Ebony). Since meeting, the couple hasn’t looked back, and Ihhashielimhlope says his wife has been there for him through thick and thin. While being interviewed, he mentioned that she had covered the cost of his driver’s license.

After starting a family with four kids, the couple formed the band Amaponi. Members of the family took part in many performances and excursions together. When the kids became older and had their own life, they stopped. The pair has been married for nearly 40 years and is clearly very happy together.