Artist Thumbnail
Navigator Gcwensa
Since his eminence during the late 2010s, Navigator Gcwensa has steadily grown to become a luminary and a leading voice within the modern Maskandi scene. Born Sithembiso Lindokuhle Gcwensa in 1994 and growing up in Empangeni, rural KwaZulu-Natal, Navigator has always been surrounded by music. His mother used to play and sing songs from Maskandi greats like Izingane Zoma and Umgqumeni around the house, and his father took part in Zulu traditional dancing. The music bug would then naturally bite a teenage Sithembiso, and he would become a backup singer, performing gospel songs in and around his local community. Through his uncle’s influence and persuasion, Navigator pivoted towards singing Maskandi during the late 2000s. However, it was his University peers and a mentor’s support that made him professionally record his own compositions in 2017. He took up the name Navigator, a direct translation of his childhood nickname Nkombandlela, as it would be easier to pronounce and remember around his Pretoria circle of friends, and kept his real surname in order to never forget who he is and where he comes from. Inspired by bands such as Shabalala Rhythm, Navigator’s approach to Maskandi is non-complex and easier on the ear; his writing style and cadence are intentionally intended to appeal to a wider audience. From his messaging down to his compositions, he explores everyday conversations and topical themes, and often employs women features and backing vocalists.

Songs

See All
1
thumbnail
Ushwebile (feat. Mjolisi)
Navigator Gcwensa
2
thumbnail
Imali (feat. Mjolisi)
Navigator Gcwensa
3
thumbnail
Kuyenzeka (feat. Ashantiey & Limit Nala)
Navigator Gcwensa
4
thumbnail
Inkani Yami (feat. Limit Nala)
Navigator Gcwensa
5
thumbnail
Izwe limhlekile uMama (feat. Limit Nala)
Navigator Gcwensa

Albums

thumbnail

Ushwebile

2025
thumbnail

Two Idiots

2020
thumbnail

Kuyicala Yini

2025
thumbnail

Isimilo Sentombi

2020
thumbnail

Fortaleza De Sol

2023
thumbnail

I Petition

2020
thumbnail

Unsubdued

2022
thumbnail

Dear Nsumpa

2017

Singles & EPs

thumbnail

Emojis

Single • 2025
thumbnail

Wenzeni U Ngizwe

Single • 2021
thumbnail

Kuyenzeka

EP • 2024
thumbnail

3 Seconds Wodumo (feat. Gqibu)

Single • 2021
thumbnail

Imfihlakalo

EP • 2023
thumbnail

Noma Liduma

Single • 2022

Videos

See All
thumbnail

Izwe limhlekile uMama (Official Lyric Video) (feat. Limit Nala)

Navigator Gcwensa • 83K views
thumbnail

Kudala Bengigila (Official Lyric Video) (feat. Aspho Shezi & The Moon)

Navigator Gcwensa • 12K views
thumbnail

Hamba kulungile (Official Lyric Video) (feat. Thobani White)

Navigator Gcwensa • 10K views

Playlists by Navigator Gcwensa

thumbnail

Navigator Gcwensa - Ushwebile (Full 2025 Album)

Playlist • Navigator Gcwensa • 448K views
thumbnail

Navigator Gcwensa - Top Maskandi Tracks

Playlist • Navigator Gcwensa • 2.5K views
thumbnail

Navigator Gcwensa - Ushwebile (Official Lyric Videos)

Playlist • Navigator Gcwensa • 1.8K views

Fans might also like

thumbnail

Masinga Sgqoko Sembongolo

17.9K subscribers
thumbnail

Inkos'yamagcokama

121K subscribers
thumbnail

Fihliskhwele

22.2K subscribers
thumbnail

Mshinwemali

48.4K subscribers
thumbnail

Mashelela

27.1K subscribers
thumbnail

Ugatsheni

682K monthly audience
thumbnail

Ntencane

87.9K subscribers
thumbnail

Umafikizolo

3.52M monthly audience
thumbnail

uMlabalaba

47.2K subscribers
thumbnail

Menzi

84.3K subscribers