What is maskandi music about?
Maskandi is a kind of Zulu folk music that is evolving with South African society. Ethekwini Online describes it as “The music played by the man on the move, the modern minstrel, today’s troubadour. It is the music of the man walking the long miles to court a bride, or to meet with his Chief; a means of transport.
Who is the best maskandi singer?
Phuzushukela. Rough at the edges, he is the godfather of the maskandi biznis as we know it today.
Who started maskandi music?
One of the earliest Maskandi was a man named John Bhengu, who came to be known as Phuzushukela, or “Sugar Drinker.” He began his career playing acoustic guitar, then moved to electric, either through his own choice or through that of his manager. Out of his music, a massive market for Maskanda music was created.
Why is maskandi important?
“Maskandi” is a type of traditional Zulu music that is popular and mostly played in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province because of its richness in the Zulu heritage and importance to the Zulu tribe [41]. It has been in existence for many years and evolved within South African society.
Why is music important in the Zulu culture?
The singing styles of the Zulu people and their Nguni heritage are worthy of special mention. As in much of Africa, music is highly regarded, enabling the communication of emotions and situations which could not be achieved by merely talking.
Who is the king of Maskandi in South Africa?
HOKOZANI Langa is undoubtedly the king of maskandi. This has nothing to do with the departure of two of this genre’s big guns, Bhekumuzi Luthuli and Mgqumeni Khumalo, whom passed away recently.
Who is the king of maskandi in South Africa?
What is Umemulo in Zulu culture?
Umemulo, known as the “coming of age”, is an important Zulu ritual that celebrates a young girl’s journey into womanhood. The ceremony indicates that the young girl has transitioned from a child into an adult of marriageable age.
What is Umkhehlo in Zulu?
UMKHEHLO is a Zulu tradition pre-wedding ceremony. The ceremony is done for a woman who is about to get married and takes place after Lobola has been paid. Through this ceremony, she is basically saying “goodbye” to her family.
Where does the word maskandi come from?
The word “maskandi” is derived from the Afrikaans word “musikant”, meaning musician and can be traced back to the emergence of the South African migrant labour system.
Is Umemulo for virgin?
Umemulo is a traditional Zulu coming of age ceremony for women. This ritual is usually done for females at the age of 21(mainly for females who are still virgins), but it can be done at any stage of a woman’s life, it varies and depends on circumstances.
Who is the first Maskandi artist?
John “Phuzushukela” Bhengu
At the helm was John “Phuzushukela” Bhengu, who was the first artist to record a maskandi album in 1955. “I hate that I am now the last of the lot, since I came just after David,” maskandi legend Thwalofu Khoza said. He had just returned dejected from the Umfolozi forest in search of his four missing cattle.
What is Maskanda music?
These excerpts come from interviews conducted by Afropop’s Banning Eyre in Durban, South Africa, in January 2019. SAZI DLAMINI is a lecturer, but also a musician who has recorded with his group Skokiane. Maskanda is now recognized as a style of music. The term itself comes from Afrikaans word, musikant, which is “musician.”
Are there any Maskanda musicians left?
There are maskanda musicians now like Izingane Zoma, Imithente and many others that have come on board. I pushed until it happened. In 1992, they were there, and really competing with the guys, up to this day
What is the role of Maskanda in Umkhosi wokukhahlela?
The maskanda believed most popular with Bhaca audiences are scheduled at key points during the ritual. 72 In this way, maskanda holds a particular position of authority in Umkhosi wokukhahlela, responsible for mediating meaning, arousing participants into action and sustaining their ritual involvement when necessary.
Is Maskanda the New South Africa?
Although maskanda has been linked to a Zulu past, it also has emerged as a symbol of the ‘New South Africa’ as well as ‘an idealised Africanness’.