His father was an alcoholic who would frequently beat his mother, which eventually led him to leave home in 1970 and lead the life of a migrant worker throughout South Africa.
At the Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia, Ngcobo caught the eye of producer Ben Mandelson who recorded several demo tracks that ended up on a BBC Radio 3 session.
[3] In support of this album, Ngcobo embarked on a European tour that featured stops in the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Belgium and Switzerland.
Dr. Kathryn Olsen wrote of his style that Ngcobo, "asserts a version of masculinity that derives meaning from the experience of dispersal resulting from conquest and domination.
[8] Unlike many of his compatriots, Ngcobo resisted the use of electronic drum kits and synthesizers, instead using a more minimalistic and traditional style of a single acoustic guitar and bass.