Young artists on a cultural journey

TEMBISA - LATEST Maskandi artist UMfana kaMasumbika's love and desire to cherish his culture has inspired him to turn to the cultural genre and spread the word: ‘Culture is the way of life.'

His debut album titled Usathane is a continuity of what he grew up doing at home. The great 10 track album was recorded at Brother K Studios and produced by Abafana baka Mzilikazi. Hit tracks include Insingizi, 2014, Kulonyaka and Usathane.  Abafana baka Mzilikazi frontman Doit Mhlaba who is also the backing vocalist, features in tracks: Uyedelela and Sthandwa.

"Culture is the way of life, I grew up participating in traditional ceremonies  (imithethelo) and doing dances  like ‘izikeyi, isitshikitsha, amabhiza, ingquzu' and many others. I then turned into Maskandi to continue in this journey, to partake in cultural awareness, to promote our culture especially in diaspora. My wish is to be a fulltime artists, once I get a sponsor and a promoter, I intend to be a professional artists because music runs in my veins," said UMfana kaMasumbika.

He was born Alexious Masumbika (Ncube) 26 years in Nhlangano in Tsholotsho under Chief Ngqoya. Masumbika was inspired by Maskandi legends Umfazomnyama Khumalo and Bhekumuzi Luthuli; he composes his songs and leads the vocals