Project Description

Vusa (often referred to as Vusi) was born in 1936 at Siyamu, also known as KwaCaluza in Pietermaritzburg however he moved to KwaSwayimane, near Wartburg.

 Ximba’s interest in music started in 1948. He played for many years in taxi ranks and on city pavements until his musical breakthrough in 1992. Ximba’s debut solo album, Siyakudumisa (1992) sold more than 100,000 copies. His follow up album Umthandazi Ejoyintini (1998) featured bass player/producer Maxwell Mngadi. Ximba an accordionist and singer, adapts elements of maskanda and township jive to shape his own distinctive style of music. Ximba renowned for his sometimes-sharp wit had his material banned on Radio Ukhozi!

Ximba continued to perform at events and was a dedicated activist conducting informal awareness campaigns about HIV/Aids, teaching the rural communities of KwaSwayimane about the virus, he himself lived with.  He died at the age 72 due to AIDS related illnesses.