From riches to rags how Manqoba Khumalo blew millions
To many who know him, he took Mzansi by surprise with his hit single Mbaqanga, but things have fallen apart for Manqoba Khumalo. He thrust into stardom when he formed his Isikhumbuzo band in 1997. The band made all sorts of headlines and at some point, he was said to be the darling of South Africa.
He made a lot from his gigs and his luxurious life could tell it all. Manqoba was well known for spending hefty amounts on luxurious cars and designer clothes little did he know that the industry is unforgiving sometimes.
The once famous star musician lost his cool and now he is battling to earn a living. We usually get to hear of rags to riches stories but this one seems to the complete opposite to that.
” My love for luxurious cars and designer clothes blinded me to see the future ahead and my fame did that too,” he said.
From filling up local venues now the latter merely survives on selling CDs on the streets. His albums Kufeyana Nje, Sekwanele and Umhukuzo made him a global sensation but that glory was short-lived due to spending spree.
“The albums made a lot of money from sales and sold out tickets wherever I perfomed but I fell in love with cars and this is where I am today.”
From riches to rags how Manqoba Khumalo blew his money
Narrating his own downfall Manqoba indicated that he once bought a Jeep Cherokee, a BMW 320 and a Toyota GD6. Of all the cars he bought he rarely used them but he had to keep up with his celebrity lifestyle copped with bling.
He was once best known for spending much on cars and clothes and little did he know that was his own downfall. A few years later he is now battling with financial woes that are haunting him.
“I wish I could have saved it. I used to splash more than R500 000 on cars that I rarely used and failed to maintain.”
He blames no one but himself. However, Manqoba now pins his hope on his new project set for June this year.
“My greatest wish is that my fans will find closure in my new project and help me to bring back the lost glory. Life gifted me opportunities on a silver platter but I took that for granted.”
Hope the new project will give me a second chance in life. As embarrassing as it is to sell CDs in the streets I endure and bear the shame cause I have no option.