Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
BULAWAYO is set to host a Maskandi Music Festival on December 22, following the success of a cultural music event held in the city in September, which attracted thousands of music lovers.
The festival was inspired by the strong turnout at an after-party held during this year’s King Mzilikazi Commemorations, which featured South African Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose, alongside Shaka iLembe actors Dawn Thandeka King, who portrayed Mkabayi, and Mpilo Mbatha, who played Mzilikazi.
The event also featured local musicians, including uMfoka Jeke, Bhila and Zinjaziyamluma, demonstrating the growing appetite for Maskandi music in Bulawayo and the potential for further investment in cultural entertainment.
Businessman and music promoter Danisiwe Senda, who organised the September event, said the response had encouraged him to invest further in cultural music, adding that the turnout showed audiences were willing to support events that reflected their interests and cultural identity.
“Our first show, headlined by Khuzani, was sold out, demonstrating the strong appetite for traditional music in Bulawayo. Although the event was a closing bash for the King Mzilikazi Commemorations, most of the people who attended were not part of the main celebrations.
“This inspired us to organise the upcoming Maskandi Music Festival, which will be held on December 22. We chose this date after noting that most events are scheduled for late November and early December. We want to start preparations early and give cultural music lovers enough time to plan for the festival,” he said.
Senda said at least five South African Maskandi musicians would headline the festival, alongside local artistes who specialise in the genre.
Among the performers expected to take to the stage is Limit Nala, known for his hit song AmaBuffalo.
“We will have five Maskandi artistes from South Africa, and one of the performers fans can look forward to is Limit Nala. He has remained consistent, producing hit after hit, and has become a favourite among fans. His music has performed well on the charts and resonates with many people in Bulawayo,” he said.
Senda added that negotiations were under way with Khuzani’s management, although the musician’s participation had yet to be confirmed. The remaining performers would be announced once agreements had been finalised.
Beyond the festival, Senda said three South African Maskandi music promoters were expected to visit Bulawayo for an indaba aimed at exploring ways to develop local talent and create opportunities for Bulawayo artistes to perform at major Maskandi events in South Africa.
“The indaba will focus on how best to promote Maskandi in Bulawayo while creating opportunities for our artistes to secure bookings and perform at major Maskandi events in South Africa.
“Maskandi has strong cultural connections in Zimbabwe, because it started in Bulawayo, and South Africa has played a significant role in popularising the genre. We must therefore encourage collaboration between the two countries because music and culture unite us,” said Senda.
