Zim Female maskandi takes Mzansi by storm

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
DEFYING odds and proving she has what it takes to succeed even away from her country of birth, a 29-year-old Zimbabwean female maskandi artiste, Posslete Ncube-Khumalo, is taking South African airwaves by storm.

Born and raised in Tsholotsho, fate forced Khumalo to cross the Limpopo where she found her passion for music.

Of all music genres Khumalo, affectionately known as Igqishamnkantsha, settled for maskandi, a genre often dominated by males, a fact that did not deter her.

a�?I started singing in 2012. I dona��t find any threat from male colleagues and they actually inspire me to do better. I chose maskandi because ita��s cultural music and Ia��m a Nguni so ita��s a way of upholding my culture,a�? said Khumalo.

Her album, titled Mina nawe, is imbued with messages to encourage those going through trials and tribulations, a fact that has earned a spot in the hearts of many. Resultantly she has also bagged three awards.

a�?Since last year I have won three awards. I won best performance at Stayela Awards in Newcastle (KZN), where I was voted for live on stage by fans at Newcastle and Best newcomer at Capital Maskandi Awards in Pietermaritzburg and I also won the best Song of the Year award for Amanzamnyama at Umgeni Music Awards,a�? she said.

Inevitably Khumaloa��s stock is rising and South African radio stations like Thetha FM, Nguna FM and UKhozi FM are taking note and pushing her music.

Despite all her recent successes, as a single mother of two, Khumalo at the end of the day has to put bread on the table.

a�?In the meantime I am not making lot of money from music, so I double up as a caregiver at an orphanage.

Nevertheless I am optimistic after two or three years things will change for the better,a�? she said.

Like most modern families that are coming to terms with music being a viable career, Khumalo said her family has no qualms with her being a musician.

a�?I am glad I have my familya��s blessings in pursuing my music career. Mostly my children are the ones who inspire me to keep on going, they like my music, especially my daughter,a�? she said.

The ever optimistic Khumalo hopes that in two years time, she will be the undisputed queen of maskandi music.