I TELL CULTURAL TALES- ‘KHANDASHISA’

MBABANE - Maskandi artist Khandashisa is set to release his new EP,which will raise cultural awareness.

The 25-year-old Sanele Nkomonye from Ntabamhloshana has found a way of educating the nation through Maskandi music. Known in the music scene as ‘Khandashisa’, the artist has worked his way up to finally being ready for his Extended Playlist (EP) release.  Maskandi music is a type of Zulu folk music that was established in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It has been in existence with the South African society for many years and has infiltrated Eswatini in recent times. Described by EThekwini online as ‘The music played by the man on the move,’ Maskandi has been a tool used by ‘Khandashisa’ to engage the nation and even the world about the hearts of communities and the unique experiences that happen there.

Reception

“I’ve been exploring the genre for many years now, and I’ve been falling more and more in love with it. The reception I have been getting from people is heartwarming,” said the artist. The artist has been in the music industry from 2018 and has released songs like ‘Ngcela ubuye’ and ‘Ngiyishele kanjani’ FT Amagudu Amabili.  He has also worked with locally recognised Maskandi names like Delakufa in 2019. ‘Khandashisa’ draws inspiration from international stars like Phuzekhemisi and Mthengiseni Gcwensa from South Africa. The artist is currently working on releasing an EP which will be titled ‘Dlala Ingoma’.

The artist has always been a Maskandi fan from a young age, which was largely influenced by his late father, Herbert Nkomonye, who lived and breathed Maskandi music. Nkomonye has a lengthy artistry background from singing to even acting. The artist was awarded the best actor award from the Swaziland (Eswatini) Schools Arts and Theatre Association in June of 2017. He also received the same award from his former school, Mhubhe High school.

In the upcoming EP, he will work with Mdada Webheshu and Shisizwe. Babe Maseko on the keys and bass guitar and housing studio is Amabhinca Record. The artist has faced known challenges for most upcoming acts which is financially centered. “I’d find myself in a pickle when I had to go to the studio to record without a single penny in my pocket,” mentioned the artist. The artist pushed through all the challenges and would walk from his home to the recording studio just to make sure he gets his work out.

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