Maskandi star Inkosi Yamagcokama dies in tragic Richards Bay crash

Popular maskandi musician Scebi Dlamini, popularly known as Inkosi Yamagcokama, has died in a tragic motor vehicle accident in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

The musician died in the early hours of Sunday, 9 August 2026, after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a crash on the John Ross Highway near Richards Bay.

According to a statement issued by his family and management, Dlamini was travelling to a performance in Richards Bay with three members of his stage crew when tragedy struck.

One of the crew members also died, while the other two were taken to hospital. One remains in a critical but stable condition, while the other is receiving medical treatment.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements confirmed Dlamini's death, saying he succumbed to severe injuries at the scene of the crash. The accident occurred at an intersection opposite Melomed Hospital in Richards Bay.

The South African Police Service accident unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Dlamini's family and management said they were devastated by the loss and appealed to the public and media to give the family, friends and team privacy as they come to terms with the tragedy.

A celebrated maskandi voice

Inkosi Yamagcokama leaves behind a significant musical legacy and was widely recognised as one of the artists contributing to the growth of contemporary maskandi music.

He was particularly celebrated by fans for songs including “National Anthem”, “Kuyazenzakalela” and “Amabulawo”. His National Anthem album was released in 2025, while “Kuyazenzakalela” is among his well-known recorded works.

His music earned him a strong following among maskandi lovers, while his contribution to the genre also earned industry recognition. In 2023, he was named Best Maskandi Artist/Group at the South African Traditional Music Awards.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma described Dlamini as an invaluable asset to the nation and said he had carved out a special place in the hearts of millions of maskandi music lovers.

Duma also praised the musician for his humility and for putting Msinga on the map through his music.

As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from fans and members of the music industry, mourning the sudden loss of an artist whose music had become a familiar part of the maskandi landscape.

Dlamini's family and management said further details, including memorial and funeral arrangements, would be communicated in due course.