Nhlanhla Mbele
COWDRAY Park’s terminus will be brought to a standstill as a Maskandi Extravaganza is set to explode on 6 September.
The aim of the show is to promote local maskandi artistes.
The event boasts of a massive line-up of 30 local maskandi stars, including Gazi Elimnyama, Bhamuza and Amaganyana, among other artistes.
This will be the first big event for the Maskand’emuntwini Movement since its launch in 2016. The movement has since attracted more than 200 local maskandi artistes.
“This movement was brought to life by four maskandi musicians, Chris Buqilibentethe from Insukamini group, Dibi from Abafana Baka Godlwayo group, Mkhosi Ndlovu and Lady Igqishamkantsha but now it has over 200 musicians who have showed their interest in maskandi.
“These artistes’ love and passion for music is the reason why we have organised such an event in order to promote and preserve the maskandi flavour,” said one of the core founders, Prince “Mzilankatha” Ncube.
Mzilankatha said he grew up listening to maskandi which he used to hear from his uncles who were visiting from South Africa. He explains that was how his love for maskandi grew.
“I used to love Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Mfaz’omnyama, Phuz’khemesi, iHash’elimhlophe and Thwalufu.
“In 2012 I started to look for local maskandi artistes in Bulawayo just to find out that maskandi was birthed here in Bulawayo in the early 30s by people like George Sibanda which they used to call Masgada during their time,” said Mzilankatha.
In 2017 and 2018 the movement failed due to the economic situation but this year the Maskand’Emuntwini Movement is willing to do whatever it takes to make the event a success.
The movement has also sustained a good relationship with South African maskandi musicians who are supporting the movement as well as promoting its growth in Zimbabwe.
