Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent
There were mixed reactions to maskandi artiste, Skhosana Buhlungu’s Ntethe song that was released last week.
The single that is off the Nkayi-based artiste’s forthcoming album, was meant to serve as a teaser while also cheering up children whose lives have been affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as they are no longer able to play with their friends like they used to do.
Malume Skhosi’s simple song has been trending since its release last Wednesday. Some described it as a silly song because of its lyrics and concept while others said it was a great track because of its originality.
The other fans have described Skhosana’s music as sub-standard saying young musicians were producing better music.
“Young artistes in Bulawayo have been producing globally marketable music for years despite getting very limited support for their videos and online distribution strategies. Its surprising that we have people scrambling to support an old man to sing about ontethe bakhe. A few years from now fingers will be pointed as to why music from the region is seemingly not competitive,” commented one Nkanyiso Brezhnev Mathonsi on Facebook.
This comment irked many bringing attention to the song. Generally, there has been a lot of debate around the song, something that has benefited the artiste as it has resulted in more views.
Skhosana seems to be a lucky fellow as his projects attract attention. For people to know him last year, it was through a video clip of him performing a humorous song on coronavirus. From there, he found himself trending, not only locally, but regionally after his interview with Cite’s Zenzele Ndebele went viral. This was after Skhosana hilariously answered one of the questions.
That is Skhosana for you, he, without asking for it, finds himself trending and this is good for his career. Ntethe (grasshopper), in its first day, had clinched 10 000 views on YouTube and as of yesterday afternoon it had reached 30 000 views.
However, as people were debating about the song, the conversation took another unexpected turn as some people quizzed if Skhosana who was identified and groomed by Madlela Skhobokhobo and Ndebele was benefiting from his works.
Some said they thought that the 48-year-old musician was being short-changed.
Chronicle Showbiz caught up with Madlela Skhobokhobo who said these sentiments were from naysayers who are jealous of Skhosana’s success. He said people need to know that Skhosana is just a musician who is sharing his talent with people and having fun while at it.
“At the beginning of the year, I released the song Umona and it was like I prophesied what’s happening now as people’s attitude towards this song and Skhosana is appalling,” Madlela said.
“People have different views about Skhosi’s music which is okay as it’s their democratic right but Skhosana is here to stay whether people like him or not. Usazosilimaza nge beat,” said Madlela.
Quizzed about the monetary benefits that Skhosana has received from the various projects they have worked on, Madlela said his production company, Dream House, Dlelas Music and Ndebele’s Cite that have been working on Skhosana’s music have made sure that Skhosana gets his dues.
“There’s a lot that we’re yet to do for the Skhosana brand starting with the Dlala Ntethe dance challenge. The winner will receive money and a Skhosana Buhlungu T-shirt courtesy of Dream House and Dlelas Music,” said Madlela Skhobokhobo. — @mthabisi_mthire.
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