NOXOLO MIYA
noxolo.miya@inl.co.za
Johannesburg - Maskandi artist and Ukhozi FM presenter Phumlani “Imfez’emnyama” Khumalo proposed to his partner, MC, and content creator Sabelo “Ntombeningi” Sithole.
According to speculation on social media, the pair have been secretly dating for two years.
Speaking to Isolezwe, Ntombeningi said: “I didn’t know he was planning to propose; I thought it was a photo shoot for the single we will be promoting soon. When I arrived, he went on one knee and asked me to marry him.
“We became close in 2018 and we were good friends. It was in 2020 that we decided to give it a shot, and we started dating and everything was official. But to protect the relationship, they kept it a secret from many people. We kept the relationship a secret to protect our careers.”
Ntombeningi is an architect by profession and is from rural KwaZulu-Natal. He rose to fame by posting funny videos for himself on TikTok. Ntombeningi has often spoken about how hard it has been for him to be fearless about his sexuality, especially because of where he comes from.
"I am Zulu; we come from a village, a very rural place. He is a well-respected Maskandi artist, and for him to come out this way in an industry with so much discrimination is a first. It is still hard to change people’s mindsets about the LGBTQI community. So I respect his bravery so much.
“He has been a man; he is standing his ground. It had been the most amazing journey, and his standing firmly for the relationship is commendable. He is changing the face of Amabhinca.”
Ntombeningi said he loves Imfez’emnyama for his kindness and generosity and how he is unapologetic about his love for him.
“His personality is amazing. I could not believe that indodayomZulu ingabanothando kanje (a Zulu man can be so loving). He has an amazing sense of humour. He is understanding and takes care of me.”
Although there were mixed reactions on social media about the couple’s engagement, they will not be paying any attention to the naysayers. For them, the future looks bright, and they even plan on starting a family together.
“We are definitely going to have kids of our own in the future. There is a lot in the pipeline. We will also be collaborating with brands who love the idea of an LGBTQI couple in the Maskandi community, something that they have never seen before, so genuine and pure. We are both believers in God and our ancestors, and we know that our union is for a reason.”
The Star