Imithente, a South African Maskandi group from Johannesburg, was formed in 1993 by the late guitarist Simosakhe Mthalane and three female singers: Buselaphi Gxowa, Dumisile Manana, and Nokwazi Ntuli. The band's name is derived from a type of grass native to rural KwaZulu-Natal. Imithente began their musical journey with the release of Isidikiselo in 2001, followed by several albums that achieved gold sales in South Africa. Their breakthrough came with Ake Niyek' Ukukhuluma, released in 2006. The group's discography includes notable works such as Simqonda Ngqo (2008), Vimb' Ezansi (2010), and Vuka Mathambo (2012). Imithente performed internationally, including at the Pan African Cultural Festival in Algiers in 2009. The group won multiple South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs), solidifying their status as influential figures in Maskandi music.
