The rising popularity of Maskandi artists in Bulawayo

WHILE impressionable youths may think Maskandi is backward, outdated and too traditional, there are some artistes who do not want to let go of their culture, norms and traditional vernacular music.

While other young artistes might rush to new genres, maskandi seems to resonate with many people in Bulawayo and Matabeleland and some might argue that it has undergone a rebirth in the City of Kings.

It is the remarkable works of artistes like Zinjaziyamluma, Madlela Sikhobokhobo and other renowned Maskandi artistes who keep the genre alive and relevant.

Winning awards last year from Skyz Metro FM and Ingwebu People's Choice awards was aprivilege for both artistes and it was a sign to them that their music is recognised, loved and appreciated by the public.

Talking to Sunday News Madlela Skhobokhobo says Maskandi music helps people identify themselves with their true selves as the music carries a message that reprimands and advices especially people.

"We were a bit behind as far as our culture and tradition is concerned hence Maskandi music is more of an eye opener as to what is expected of us as a community and as individuals showing us the way as at times we get lost," Madlela said.

"It is more or less the same with other Shona songs from artistes like Jah Prayzah some of his songs communicate with the souls, same applies with Maskandi songs they are some that are spiritual and also build people," he continued.

Zinjaziyaluma sharing the same opinions with Madlela also stated that Maskandi music is an attempt to familiarise people with their true identity.

 "The song from my third album titled SingamaNdebele was mainly for us to know who we are and be proud of it. It's not that I am a tribalist but it is important to know who we are and what we stand for hence we should follow the footsteps of our grandfathers," Zinjaziyaluma said.

"Our genre is really making waves but most of us are in South Africa representing and raising high our Zimbabwean flag, we have groomed and are still grooming a lot of people for Maskandi to be sung all over the world," he added.

With the growth of Maskandi and attention it is getting, Gracious Ncube who is based in South Africa got motivated and decided to follow theroute taken by these artistes and in 2018 came up with his first album titled Bayakhuluma with the help of Thobel'omuhle who assisted him with the compositionof songs, and is also the up and coming artiste's producer.

"I loved Maskandi from way back but by then I did not have the money to produce my own album following the footsteps of the already recognized artistes," said Gracious Ncube.

"Even though I am not home but I wish that become well known and praised at home more than in the foreign county hence I did send my CDs to our local radio stations Khulumani Fm being one of them," he continued.