Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
SOUTH African Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose has singled out Bulawayo musician Umfoka Jele for praise, likening his performance to that of late Maskandi legend Bhekumuzi Luthuli.
Khuzani made the remarks during his first visit to Zimbabwe, where he headlined the inaugural Maskandi Music Festival koBulawayo at The Hangout on September 5.
The event, which drew close to 3 000 people, also featured local artistes Zinjaziyamluma, Umfoka Jele, Jamela, Inkunzi yeBraman, Bhila and Umfanomsotho, alongside legendary imbube group Black Umfolosi.
Khuzani said Umfoka Jele’s performance stood out among the artistes he watched, drawing comparisons between the young musician’s style and that of Luthuli, one of Maskandi’s most revered figures.
“I loved almost all the performances I saw. It shows that Bulawayo artistes have great potential to become huge names in the game. Besides, Maskandi originated here, meaning this is their sound.
“I particularly enjoyed Umfoka Jele’s performance. He reminded me of the late Maskandi legend Bhekumuzi Luthuli. I can simply say Bhekumuzi’s spirit is living within him,” said Khuzani.
The endorsement is a significant boost for Umfoka Jele and other local Maskandi artistes, whom festival organiser Danisiwe Senda said rose to the occasion despite sharing the stage with one of the genre’s biggest names.
“From what I witnessed, the local artistes were under pressure to perform because the event was headlined by Khuzani, who is a respected figure in the genre. They therefore did their homework and delivered splendid performances,” said Senda.
“This proved to me that we have great artistes in the city. They just need support and a push, as well as more opportunities to perform and become known by potential fans.”
Khuzani, who is known for hits including iJele, said he was overwhelmed by the reception he received in Bulawayo, where he performed as part of celebrations linked to the King Mzilikazi commemorations.
“It’s my first time being here in Zimbabwe and the love I received is overwhelming. I had heard people paint Zimbabwe as a country where there is no life. However, after coming koBulawayo for the King Mzilikazi commemorations and this show, I can attest that this country is full of order and peace,” he said.
He said the cultural ties between the Ndebele and Zulu people made the visit feel like a reunion of one people.
“The Ndebele people take pride in their culture, just like we Zulu people and other tribes do in South Africa. Singabantu banye (we are one people), and it’s my wish that other nations start realising this,” said Khuzani.
The festival was organised to celebrate King Mzilikazi’s legacy and Ndebele culture, with Senda saying the strong turnout had encouraged organisers to make it an annual event.
“This was our first time hosting this show. The numbers we attracted were very impressive, something we were not expecting. Close to 3 000 people attended the event, which is a clear sign that there is a market for Maskandi music in Bulawayo,” he said.
Khuzani also called for more events of this nature, saying cultural exchanges could strengthen ties, promote peace and create platforms for musicians from Zimbabwe and South Africa to showcase their talent.
