(Phuz'ekhemisi)
If you're a lover
of Maskandi music, join fans of this popular brand of Zulu folk music at the Playhouse
Company’s Maskandi Concert on December 20, featuring some of the best known
talent in this indigenous genre.
The concert includes
such household names as Phuz'ekhemisi, Madala Kunene, Ezikabhaka, Madosini and
Vumile Mngoma. The MC’s are local personality Henry Dlamini, better known as
“Juba Special” and radio personality from Ukhozi, Ngizwe Mchunu.
Phuz'ekhemisi
(which roughly translates in English as "Drink the Medicine") needs
little introduction to local music aficionados. Born Zibokwakhe Johnstone
Mnyandu on the KZN South Coast, he is widely acknowledged as the king of
Maskandi. He has taken his music to several countries in Europe, exposing the
Maskandi style to a global audience. In 2002, he was one of the African acts
invited to perform at the closing celebrations for the Soccer World Cup in
Japan.
Madala Kunene has
come a long way since he started busking on Durban's beachfront at the age of seven.
He now performs to audiences around the world and often shared the stage with
great names such as the inimitable late Busi Mhlongo. Kunene’s repertoire
includes playing for Nelson Mandela at a show to honour his release from Robben
Island. The story goes that when they met again at another benefit show in
Durban, Mandela smiled and said: "It's you again. I wish you could play
for me everywhere I go." There could be no better tribute to a musician
than that.
Both musicians
headlined a double bill showcasing Maskandi music at the prestigious Carnegie
Hall in October. They have been playing Maskandi since childhood and have
contributed immensely to creating this distinctive musical style that has now
gained popularity globally.
Vumile
Mngoma started her maskandi musical group in order to play what she feels was
the more popular umkhomazi style or umsinga style of Maskandi that most
musicians were not performing. Her energetic dance and performance style is entertaining
and has earned her fans around the world. She performed in Mexico, Dubai and
France.
Madosini Latozi Mpahleni grew up in the
Eastern Cape and is known for playing traditional instruments such as the uhadi and mhrubhe musical
bows, as well as the isitolotolo.
Zamokwakhe 'Bhaka' Nzama won the SATMA 2014 Award for Best
Song of the Year category with his popular group EzikaBhaka. They also beat
over 100 artists to win Most Downloaded Song category.
So come and appreciate this rich repertoire of unique guitar playing by
some of the best Maskandï artists in South Africa on December 20 at 11h00 in
the Playhouse Drama. Tickets R65 booked through Computicket. For more
information on this concert or any of the festive season shows, contact the Playhouse
on 031 369 9456.
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