Dennis Makhubela, popularly known as King Xikaveni, has emerged as a standout talent in South Africa’s music scene. An award-winning R&B and disco singer, he recently released a groundbreaking EP titled Kuwa Rale Thyakeni, which is already making waves across the industry.

King Xikaveni’s journey began in the humble setting of his church choir, where he first discovered his vocal gift. ‘I started singing from church at an early age, even during Sunday school,’ he recalls. ‘I was born with this gift.’

His soulful voice and captivating melodies quickly gained recognition, setting him on a path that would lead beyond his hometown of Mpumalanga.

Over the years, his musical style evolved significantly. Inspired by local Xitsonga artist Thomas Chauke, King Xikaveni initially considered pursuing traditional Xigaza music. ‘At first, I didn’t want to sing or do disco. I wanted to do Xigaza,’ he explains. ‘But I realised my community was used to disco music. To connect with them, I had to stick to what they loved.’

Despite his preference for other genres, adapting to disco helped him win the support of his community and build his initial fan base.

Before fully pursuing music, King Xikaveni studied Electrical Engineering at Mopani TVET College, a path that reflected his determination to succeed despite challenges. ‘I was not known, so it was very difficult at first when I released my first album with Junior Mkhari,’ he admits. Yet his perseverance paid off. His breakthrough came in 2021 with the release of his debut album, Volume ya Rirhandzu, which received positive attention and laid the foundation for his rise.

In 2019, he began releasing disco tracks that resonated strongly with his audience. ‘I kept pushing, and eventually, my music started to reach more people,’ he says. His hard work culminated in winning the Best R&B Singer award at the 2024 Radio Bushbuckridge Music Awards, cementing his reputation as a formidable artist.

Collaborations with seasoned musicians further boosted his profile. He is proud to be the first artist from Bushbuckridge to work with legends such as Sunglen Chabalala, Cool B and Mozambique’s Makhwirhi Baloyi. ‘It’s a great honour to work with these legends,’ he reflects. ‘It shows that my hard work is paying off and that I’m making my community proud.’

King Xikaveni is also a businessman. He owns King Xikaveni Construction, an electrical company that reflects his entrepreneurial spirit.

His versatility shines through in his many collaborations, including the hit track Ava Hlahluveli with Mozambican artists, which expanded his reach beyond South Africa’s borders. Singles such as Phosta Nkatanga and Wrong Number also strengthened his growing reputation.

A major challenge came in early 2025, when he was forced to change his producer. Instead of slowing him down, the setback gave him renewed determination. The result was his latest EP, Kuwa Rale Thyakeni, featuring collaborations with Stanley Chiloane, Kenny Khosa and Cool B.

Reflecting on his journey, King Xikaveni emphasises the importance of resilience. ‘Music is my life. No matter the hurdles, I keep pushing. I want to inspire young artists from my community to chase their dreams,’ he affirms.