MASKANDI FESTIVAL CULTURALLY RICH

MANZINI -‘Khuba, Khuba, Khuba’

Those were the words Maskandi music lovers were left shouting after Khuzani Mpungose from South Africa delivered an electrifying performance. The inaugural show dubbed ‘Eswatini Maskandi Festival’ which was hosted at the Manzini Club left fun lovers yearning for more. Khuba is also Khuzani Mpungose’s nickname.  The ‘Ijele’ hitmaker was surely worth the wait as he entered the stage at 4:30am.  With its signature acoustic guitar and bouncing concertina, modern Maskandi is the roots music of Zulu migrant culture, and Mpungose is one of its eminences.

His energy filled the arena as he showcased different traditional dances with a modern touch. During his 50-minute set, he expressed his excitement, as it was his first time in the kingdom.
 “I am excited to be here and I would like to thank the organisers of the show; the Menzi Foundation for coming up with a fruitful idea. I know that next year the festival will be bigger and better,” he said.

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He went on to plead with government and other stakeholders to support the initiative.  It is worth noting that the above mentioned artist rendered his latest tracks including ‘Isiqomuqomu’, ‘Ngavele Ngamnika’ and ‘Ijele’ to mention a few.  He was not the only artist that left the audience in awe, Dr Buselaphi , the ‘Ngelekeleleni’ hitmaker was also a marvel to watch, her fierce stage presence  gave one goose bumps.

Bonakele rocked the crowd with her angelic voice and talented dancers.  Falabo, who is also a South African artist gave patrons their money’s worth and made them sing along to his song dubbed ‘Uyalahlana.’  It was a night jam packed with amazing perfprmances from South African acts. Speaking to some of the Maskandi music lovers, they all attested to having a great time.

“I had so much fun and I would like to thank the event organisers for hosting all our favourite acts,” said Mandisa Sibandze from Hlatikhulu.  Vusi Simelane from Mafutseni said he came to see his favourite act Khuzani Mpungose and he was happy.  “The Menzi Foundation is just the best. I had fun and I can’t wait for the next edition,” he said.  The host, Menzi Thabethe, who is also the founder of the Menzi Foundation, shared that the event was meant to encourage young people to embrace their culture and to motivate them on how they can best improve the Maskandi genre

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