ZCC Gospel Group Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo Reconsiders Retirement After Emotional 20-Year Celebration
A groundswell of fan support is prompting legendary ZCC gospel group Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo to possibly reverse its decision to retire, following a spiritually charged festival held Saturday at mzansi Resorts (formerly Morula Sun) in Mabopane. The event, intended as a farewell to the group’s devoted fanbase, may have rather ignited a renewed sense of purpose.
The group announced earlier this year the release of “The Final Album,” widely hailed as their most accomplished work in two decades.Though, the outpouring of emotion at the 20-year anniversary celebration has prompted a reevaluation of that decision.
“Well, since we announced that we had released our final album, a lot of people have complained that we must rethink that decision,” stated a group manager, Neo Kodi, who is also the son of one of the group’s founders, the late Charles Nkosana Kodi. “A lot of them approached us in person on Saturday as we celebrated the 20 years and made their case about why this group must continue.”
The festival featured performances by industry icons including Simon Makgatholela, Paul K Kganyago, Masole A Tumelo, and Mapula Monyepao, adding to the event’s deeply moving atmosphere. According to Kodi, the group is now “seized with” the matter, carefully weighing the initial reasons for considering retirement against the passionate pleas of their supporters.
Founded in 2005 by the late Nkosana Kodi and lucas ‘Mojeremane’ Xale, Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo has become synonymous with mokhukhu music, a distinctive style within the ZCC gospel tradition. Over the past two decades, the group has produced numerous hits, including “Modimo Wa Bo Engenas,” and garnered three nominations for South African Music Awards (SAMA).
Beyond the music,the group plays a vital role in the community,providing mentorship and guidance to young men.”we value our supporters’ inputs who, we regard as family… we call them the Mlilo Nation,” explained Oupa Makgabeng, a member and manager of the group. “Also, as we are using this brand to groom young boys and nurture them through life to create responsible young adults, we are aware that it would a huge travesty to let them go back into the streets without something like this keeping them busy.So, we are indeed looking into and hoping we can find a way to keep this group alive.”
Currently, Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo is awaiting the results of the SAMA awards, where they are nominated for Best African Indigenous Faith Album for the third time, as well as Thobela FM’s Best Sepedi Group. Makgabeng expressed hope that an award win could serve as a fitting culmination to the year and potentially pave the way for a “Wachumlilo Day of Prayer 2026.”
The future of the group remains uncertain, b
