Head for the Maskandi Concert in Durban

IF you’re a lover of Maskandi music, pencil in the date, December 20.

That’s when fans of this popular brand of Zulu folk music will be flocking to Durban’s Playhouse Company for the Maskandi Concert, featuring some of the best known talent in this indigenous genre.

The concert starts at 11am and includes Phuz’ekhemisi, Madala Kunene, Ezikabhaka, Madosini and Vumile Mngoma.

Phuz’ekhemisi (which roughly translates in English as “Drink the Medicine”) is widely acknowledged as the king of Maskandi. He has taken his music to several countries in Europe, exposing the Maskandi style to a global audience. In 2002, he was one of the African acts invited to perform at the closing celebrations for the Soccer World Cup in Japan.

Madala Kunene has come a long way since he started busking on Durban’s beachfront at the age of 7 and now performs to audiences around the world and often shared the stage with great names such as the late inimitable Busi Mhlongo.

Kunene’s repertoire includes playing for Nelson Mandela at a show to honour his release from Robben Island.

Both musicians headlined a double bill showcasing Maskandi music at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in October. They have been playing Maskandi since childhood and have contributed immensely to creating this distinctive musical style that has now gained popularity globally.

Vumile Mngoma started her Maskandi musical group in order to play what she feels was the more popular umkhomazi style or umsinga style of Maskandi that most musicians were not performing. Vumile’s energetic dance and performance style is entertaining and has earned her fans around the world. She performed in Mexico, Dubai and France.

Venue:            Playhouse Drama (031 369 9456.)

Time:               11am – 3pm

Tickets:           R65

Bookings:        Computicket or at door