Inkunzi Emdaka, known as The Brown Bull, was born in Bizana in the Eastern Cape. He recorded his first album Ibhubesi Lihlula Amadoda in 1985, making him one of the first artists to put isiXhosa Maskandi on record. Today, at 69 years old, he remains a living archive of the sound.

On 24 July 2026, Imba Films Records and Publishing will release his new album Ndicela Ukuthetha Nani. The legend is asking to speak to us all.

The Mission: Preserve While They Live

For too long our legends have been honored only in obituaries. We say no more.

Under the leadership of Wandile Funani, Chief Executive Officer of Imba Films, we are launching INKUNZI EMDAKA - NDICELA UKUTHETHA NANI. This is a planned heritage project that includes:

• 1. A 13 part heritage reality series
• 2. A 60 minute Heritage Concert Special
• 3. One Official Anthem Single recorded with cast and crew

Filming is scheduled for October 2026 to January 2027 in Bizana. It will be filmed by firelight. No scripts. Just truth, music and teaching from Inkunzi and other legends who built Maskandi.

Why This Matters

Maskandi is 100 years old in 2026. The masters who created it are getting older. If we do not document their stories, their craft and their wisdom now, we lose it forever.

This project is about preservation, education and dignity. It is about building what we call The First Maskandi University. And the Chancellor is 69 years old.

Join Us

Imba Films Records and Publishing invites partners to walk this journey with us:

• Broadcasters that value culture, preservation and education
• Radio Stations for airplay of the new album, interviews and community activation
• Government and Private Sector who believe in artist welfare and heritage funding
• Event Organizers locally and internationally
• Cultural Institutions and International Partners

We are also planning a France Cultural Tour 2026–2027 to take 100 years of Maskandi to the world.

About Inkunzi Emdaka

• Catalog: 30 plus albums since 1985
• Iconic Songs: Emabhalekisi, Emampondweni, Sibona Bedelela, Thixo Somandla, Ziyangisinda Izono
• Note: Inkunzi doesn’t have a university degree. Yet he has lectured at Rhodes University. His life proves that mastery, memory and story are a university on their own.

New Album

• Title: Ndicela Ukuthetha Nani
• Release Date: 24 July 2026
• Label: Imba Films Records and Publishing

For Media, Bookings and Partnerships

Wandile Funani
Chief Executive Officer
Imba Films Records and Publishing
Cell: +27 81 712 0766
Email: wandile@imbaproductions.co.za
Website: www.imbaproductions.co.za