Mzukulu embodies the rural roots and Zulu traditions of South Africa's popular maskandi sound. Born Sfanele Dumisani Zulu, Mzuluku was raised deep in the rustic Ngungumbane tribal authority in the KwaZulu-Natal district of Engeza; the grandson of the maskandi star known as Zimele Buthelezi, he is also the son of the late maskandi performers Phumangelakhe and Thuleleni (Ma-Hlela) Buthelezi. In 2010, a teenage Mzukulu began performing in shebeens and community centres. Singing in a soft, earnest voice while leading his band on acoustic guitar, he released his debut album, Vukani Nonke, in 2017. Laidback songs like "Makabahle" and "Wemfama" reflect his love of his homeland's natural splendours, while 2019's Mabili Amaxoki pairs Mzukulu with maskandi singers like Thokozani Langa and Inyosi Mdletshe.
