Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government will on Sunday, 17 July 2016 host the Phuzushukela Memorial Maskandi Festival at Emhlane Wengwenya Sport Fields, Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal. Funded through Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE), the Festival aims to celebrate Phuzushukela Bhengu for his immense contribution to the promotion of South African Maskandi Music. The Mzansi Golden Economy is the Department of Arts and Culture’s strategic policy that seeks to reposition the arts, culture and heritage sector as a key player in government’s programme of action towards creation of sustainable jobs, building audiences and skills development.
Born at Nkandla in Southern Zululand on March 24, 1930, Bhengu popularly known as Phuzushukela was the first South African rural recording artist to come to prominence. By the late 1940s, the legendary Maskandi Music icon had already achieved a measure of local fame in street music competitions through his integration of a traditional song with guitar. The technique and originality was soon employed in the izihlabo - the introductory instrumental flourish, and the rendering of the ukubonga, the declamatory centrepiece which might praise family, clan, chief and fame.
His vision and artistry in the genre had a vast influence on many household names like, Mgqashiyondlovu, Jonny Clegg, Busi Mhlongo, Bhekumuziluthuli, Phuzekhemisi, Bhodlozanzimande, Inganezoma, Shwinomtekhala, to name but few. As we celebrate 22 years of democracy, it is inevitable to ignore that under the influence of these artists, the size and stature of Maskandi music in the South African music landscape became unquestionable. Maskandi musicians currently and historically enjoy the iconic status in the South African music industry.
Over the years, Maskandi Music became a platform through which South Africans and migrants shared their feelings of exploitation during South Africa’s unjust political history of segregation and grievances of the then working conditions. While Maskandi music is an art-form, its significance in society is beyond music and it’s undoubtedly part of South African popular culture. Maskandi music has over the years inspired a lot of people to take stock of their right and fight against the regime over the years and continues to inspire. Undoubtedly, Maskandi music is a part of South African popular culture.
For more information please contact:
Teresa Magidela
Cell: 060 601 7724
Madimetja Moleba
Cell: 072 842 6594
