On this page, you’d learn about Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo, the South african Maskandi artist who owns a restaurant in Durban. His age, biography, net worth, wife, etc.

Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo, popularly known as Mageza, is one of the South African businessmen making moves across the entertainment and hospitality industries. While his name is familiar to people who follow Maskandi events and entertainment in KwaZulu-Natal, there is another side to his business interests that has attracted attention: he is the owner of Mushroom Lounge, a restaurant in uMhlanga, Durban, known for its focus on traditional African cuisine.

Mbambo’s journey is an interesting one, particularly because he has managed to bring together two industries that are closely connected to South African culture. His involvement in music events has given him opportunities to work with artists and entertainment personalities, while his restaurant venture has allowed him to promote traditional Zulu food in one of Durban’s popular dining destinations.

Over the years, his activities have brought him into the spotlight, with his name appearing in entertainment, business and royal news.

Who Is Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo?

Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo is a South African entrepreneur and event organiser based in KwaZulu-Natal. He is popularly known as Mageza and has established business interests in entertainment and hospitality.

He is particularly associated with the organisation of events celebrating Maskandi music, a genre deeply rooted in Zulu culture. His work in the entertainment industry has seen him connected to musicians, promoters and other personalities involved in South Africa’s live music scene.

However, Mbambo’s interests are not limited to entertainment. He ventured into the restaurant business with the establishment of Mushroom Lounge, an African-themed restaurant in uMhlanga.

Although there is limited publicly available information about his childhood, educational background and early life, his business activities have gradually made him a recognisable personality in KwaZulu-Natal.

His Connection to Maskandi Music and Entertainment

Maskandi music remains an important part of South African cultural identity, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. The genre is known for its traditional guitar sounds, storytelling and lyrics that often reflect everyday experiences, relationships, social issues and Zulu heritage.

Mbambo has been involved in the business side of this industry, particularly through event organisation and the promotion of Maskandi entertainment.

One of the events associated with his name is the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival, which has been hosted at Moses Mabhida Stadium’s People’s Park in Durban. The festival brings together established and emerging Maskandi performers, giving fans an opportunity to enjoy live performances while celebrating traditional music.

He has also been associated with the Gcwalisa All White Picnic, an entertainment event held at the outer fields of Kings Park Stadium. The gathering has featured performers from different musical backgrounds, including Maskandi and Afro-pop.

His involvement in these events reflects the opportunities available in South Africa’s entertainment industry beyond being a recording artist. Organising festivals and bringing musicians together requires business connections, planning and an understanding of what audiences want.

Mushroom Lounge: Mbambo’s Restaurant in uMhlanga

One of Mbambo’s biggest business ventures outside entertainment is Mushroom Lounge, situated at 16 Chartwell Drive in uMhlanga, Durban.

The restaurant opened in March 2024, giving the businessman an opportunity to pursue an interest he had wanted to explore for some time.

What makes Mushroom Lounge different is its focus on traditional African food. Instead of following the usual restaurant formula, Mbambo wanted to create a space where people could enjoy familiar African meals in a modern dining environment.

The location is also worth mentioning. Chartwell Drive is known for its restaurants and hospitality businesses, making it an interesting place for a restaurant built around traditional Zulu cuisine.

At the time of the restaurant’s opening, Mbambo spoke about his ambition to become the first Black businessman to own a restaurant on the popular street. He also explained that opening the establishment was something he had dreamed about for years.

For him, Mushroom Lounge was not simply another business opportunity. It was also a chance to introduce more people to African food and demonstrate that traditional cuisine has a place in Durban’s upmarket restaurant scene.

Traditional Zulu Food Takes Centre Stage

Food is at the heart of Mushroom Lounge’s identity. The restaurant places considerable attention on traditional African meals, particularly dishes associated with Zulu culture.

Its offerings have included traditional chicken and tripe, among other African dishes prepared to give customers a taste of local culinary heritage.

One of the restaurant’s interesting concepts is Isithebe Friday. The word isithebe refers to a traditional serving tray, and the concept draws inspiration from the way food is presented and shared in African households.

The idea is to make traditional dining part of the restaurant experience rather than treating African dishes as occasional additions to a conventional menu.

This approach has helped give Mushroom Lounge a distinct identity in a neighbourhood where customers have plenty of dining options.

King Misuzulu Visits Mushroom Lounge

Mushroom Lounge received considerable attention in April 2024 when King Misuzulu kaZwelithini visited the restaurant.

The Zulu monarch was accompanied by traditional Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi and senior Prince Simphiwe Zulu. The visit was an important moment for Mbambo, especially considering that the restaurant had only recently opened.

According to reports, the royal delegation had heard about the establishment and its traditional food offerings. The visit provided an opportunity to experience what Mushroom Lounge was bringing to Durban’s restaurant industry.

The King’s visit also attracted public interest, particularly among people who appreciated the restaurant’s decision to promote traditional Zulu cuisine.

For a new business, receiving such attention so early in its journey was a notable achievement.

Mushroom Lounge Gets an Invitation to New York

The restaurant’s story did not stop in Durban. In September 2024, Mushroom Lounge received an invitation to showcase its African traditional cuisine in New York, United States.

The opportunity followed a visit by members of an American delegation who had attended the reSURGEnce conference in Durban. Some of the delegates subsequently visited the restaurant alongside eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele and then-Deputy Mayor Zandile Gumede.

Their experience at Mushroom Lounge reportedly led to an invitation for Mbambo, his chefs and members of staff to travel to New York from September 22 to 26, 2024.

The invitation was particularly significant because the restaurant was still relatively new at the time.

Mbambo welcomed the opportunity, seeing it as a chance to introduce African cuisine to an international audience and potentially create new business relationships.

He also indicated that there had been interest in the restaurant from people in other South African cities, including Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Mushroom Lounge Wins Best Durban Restaurant Award

Another major moment for Mbambo came in June 2025 when Mushroom Lounge won the Best Durban Restaurant Award at the fourth annual Durban Tourism Business Awards.

The recognition placed the relatively young restaurant among the businesses being acknowledged for their contribution to Durban’s hospitality and tourism sector.

According to media reports, Mbambo was surprised when the establishment was announced as the winner.

He expressed appreciation to customers who had supported the restaurant, particularly those who embraced its traditional African food concept.

The award was also meaningful because Mushroom Lounge had entered a competitive industry with a clear decision to focus on African cuisine. Rather than trying to imitate other restaurants, it built its identity around food and traditions familiar to many South Africans.

Sibongiseni Mbambo’s Royal Appointment

Mbambo’s public profile expanded further in February 2025 when King Misuzulu kaZwelithini appointed him as a Royal Chancellor.

He was introduced during an imbizo at Emashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal.

Reports indicated that his responsibilities would include advising the King on political, economic and social matters, supporting the administration of the Zulu Kingdom and helping facilitate business partnerships and economic development initiatives.

The appointment also involved representing the King and the Zulu Kingdom in certain engagements locally and internationally.

For Mbambo, the appointment represented a significant responsibility and another chapter in his relationship with the Zulu royal establishment.

His Marriage to Actress Kwezi Ndlovu

Away from business and entertainment events, Mbambo has also attracted attention through his relationship with South African actress Kwezi Ndlovu.

Ndlovu is widely recognised for her role in the television drama Umkhokha: The Curse. The actress made headlines in November 2024 following reports of her lobola celebrations with the Durban businessman.

She had also announced the arrival of her twin boys in February 2024, bringing attention to her family life.

Their relationship has introduced Mbambo to a wider entertainment audience, particularly viewers who follow South African television and celebrity news.

A Businessman With Interests Beyond Entertainment

Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo’s story goes beyond his association with Maskandi events. His move into hospitality, the attention received by Mushroom Lounge and his appointment within the Zulu royal establishment have all contributed to his growing public profile.

What stands out about his business journey is his interest in creating opportunities around African culture. Through entertainment events, he has been involved in promoting traditional music, while Mushroom Lounge has given him another platform to celebrate African heritage through food.

His restaurant’s recognition at the Durban Tourism Business Awards also showed that traditional cuisine can compete within the modern hospitality industry.

As Mbambo continues his business activities in KwaZulu-Natal, his journey remains an interesting example of how entrepreneurs can build businesses around culture while exploring opportunities in different industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo?

Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo, popularly known as Mageza, is a South African businessman and event organiser with interests in the entertainment and hospitality industries.

Which restaurant does Mageza Mbambo own?

He owns Mushroom Lounge, an African-themed restaurant located at 16 Chartwell Drive in uMhlanga, Durban.

What is Mushroom Lounge known for?

The restaurant is known for its traditional African cuisine, including Zulu-inspired dishes and its Isithebe Friday concept.

Is Sibongiseni Mbambo involved in Maskandi music?

Yes. He is associated with the Maskandi industry through event organisation and festivals, including the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival.

Who is Sibongiseni Mbambo’s wife?

He is married to South African actress Kwezi Ndlovu, known for her role in Umkhokha: The Curse.

Did King Misuzulu visit Mushroom Lounge?

Yes. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini visited the restaurant in April 2024 alongside members of the Zulu royal establishment.

What award did Mushroom Lounge win?

Mushroom Lounge won the Best Durban Restaurant Award at the 2025 Durban Tourism Business Awards.