Latest news with #Maskandi
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
SA Gen Z's love for new-age Maskandi and Americans' craze over Amazayoni music
Americans have discovered South African gospel music, particularly that of Amazayoni, and are going wild over it. Data by Spotify has revealed that Gen Zs, who were born between 1997 and 2012, have led the charge in the resurgence of traditional music Maskandi in the last two years. Picture:New data released by music streaming platform Spotify has revealed that Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, has led the charge in the resurgence of traditional music, Maskandi, over the last two years. 'We're proud to support a new era of Maskandi artists and fans who are redefining what it means to be proudly Zulu in a global music world,' said Head of Music, Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu. Maskandi music is isiZulu folk music that sometimes incorporates Western influences, such as electronic beats. However, at the core of the Maskandi sound are the guitar riffs and, occasionally, the concertina sound that guide the tune. ALSO READ: Maskandi singer to celebrate 'Van Damme' success with party in KZN Maskandi transformation Spotify's data reveals that the genre is undergoing a transformation led by Gen Z artists who are blending the once-traditional sound with Amapiano, gospel, and hip-hop. The Bhinca Nation playlist has been the go-to destination for contemporary Maskandi music, growing more than 3,000% since 2022 and now averaging over 2 million streams each month, according to the streaming platform. Maskandi has generally been a genre consumed by the older generation, with its biggest audience being in KwaZulu-Natal. Once every few years, a song emerges that transcends ethnic lines and stereotypes to have a national impact. Mroza's 2017 hit song Van Damme, or most recently Paris, by Mthandeni SK and Lwah Ndlunkulu, has had a definite impact beyond KZN. Artists that have benefited from this surge include Sminofu, whose listeners have jumped by 258% on Spotify since 2023. The biggest beneficiary has been Umafikizolo, who only has one album on Spotify, released in 2014. However, through being included in the Bhinca Nation playlist, he has seen a 897% surge in his streams. ALSO READ: Thandiswa Mazwai says she would've accepted invite to national dialogue had Ramaphosa sent it Americans' craze over Amazayoni music Americans have discovered South African gospel music, particularly that of Amazayoni, and are going wild over it. In one video on TikTok, an African American woman said she felt a connection to South African music genre. 'It's something about it that literally touches my spirit,' said US TikToker under the name Make That Magic. Amazayoni is a term used to describe a religious sect of one of South Africa's biggest traditional Christian churches. The term is also used to describe a music genre, essentially the style of worship and singing one would find inside the church. The singing style is very similar to Isicathamiya, where no instruments are used, just the human singing voice. The primary difference between Isicathamiya and Amazayoni music is that the latter is primarily based on religion. Another US content creator posted a video of himself dancing to the music of the Amazayoni gospel group Umthombo Wokuphila Ministries. NOW READ: DJ Doowap takes SA street culture to Germany and France
IOL News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Rediscovering the soul of Maskandi music: A cultural renaissance among young South Africans
Once seen as music for older generations, Maskandi is now finding a new audience among youth, thanks to a wave of modern artists blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences. Image: Pexels/Anthonyshkraba Production In recent years, a growing number of young South Africans have been rediscovering the rich rhythms and lyrical storytelling of Maskandi music - a genre long associated with Zulu tradition and rural life. Once seen as music for older generations, Maskandi is now finding a new audience among youth, thanks to a wave of modern artists blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences like hip hop, house, and Afro-pop. Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have played a major role in this revival. Artists such as Khuzani, Mthandeni SK, Mzukulu and Ntencane are attracting millions of views and passionate young fans who appreciate both the genre's authenticity and its evolving sound - myself included. Video Player is loading. 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Tracks like 'Uzophela Umcimbi' by Mafikizolo, 'Awuhlabe Kabili' by Limit Nala, 'Umkami Sengalile' by Mjolisi and 'Unikhodima' by Nhloso Khwela featuring Shenge Wasehlalankosi, are just a few examples of the electrifying music keeping my spirits elevated. It's clear that I'm not alone; scrolling through my social media feeds reveals a vibrant community of fellow Millennials and Gen-Zers equally entranced by the genre's spell. This resurgence is more than a trend - it's a cultural renaissance. Many young listeners say Maskandi connects them to their roots, their language and their identity in ways that modern pop often doesn't. From township taverns to urban music festivals, Maskandi is once again making people dance, think, and feel deeply. Recently, data from Spotify revealed that Maskandi has emerged as Mzansi's fastest-growing music genre over the past two years, capturing the ears of nearly half its listeners under the age of 35. The platform's Bhinca Nation playlist has exploded in popularity, growing by over 3,000% since 2022 and now achieving an impressive average of 2 million streams each month. This notable surge in streaming activity has translated into remarkable gains for both established artists and emerging talents. Since the beginning of 2023, streaming figures for various artists have soared, with notable increases including: Mafikizolo: +897% Mshinwemali: +495% Sminofu: +258% Inkos'yamagcokama: +86% Mzukulu: +79%. Additionally, burgeoning acts like Limit Nala and Menzi Music are rapidly gaining traction, expanding the genre's reach and diversity. 'Spotify is more than a streaming platform - it's a cultural catalyst,' asserted Phiona Okumu, head of music for Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. 'We're proud to support a new era of Maskandi artists and fans who are redefining what it means to be proudly Zulu in a global music world. We look forward to doing more work in this genre.' In a recent interview with Independent Media Lifestyle, actor Wiseman Mncube underscored the genre's significance in both media and society. Mncube articulated that African culture is often misrepresented and that no other musical genre encapsulates the essence of African culture as Maskandi does. He noted that while many young people are drawn to contemporary sounds out of fear of seeming 'old-fashioned', the genre retains a poetic and healing quality that resonates deeply. 'I feel inspired by listening to such songs; they relate to my art in ways that are profoundly meaningful,' he shared. maturing is realising that Maskandi music actually bangs, especially the love songs — — don (@dracosrevenge) June 16, 2025 Growing up in the early 90s, I was definitely lucky to be part of a generation that saw SA transitioning into a new era. Amid all the changes, one constant in my life was the presence of Maskandi music - a powerful voice of culture, identity and storytelling. Here's why I love the genre. Cultural identity and pride Maskandi isn't just music; it's a cultural archive. I see Maskandi as a connection to my roots. It celebrates language, customs and everyday struggles. It keeps me grounded in who I am and where I come from. Storytelling and honesty The raw, honest storytelling in Maskandi is something that always resonated with me. Whether it's songs about love, family, politics, or social issues, the lyrics are heartfelt and unfiltered. Artists didn't sugarcoat life - and that realness shaped my worldview. Unique sound and rhythm The guitar picking style, often fast and intricate, and the use of concertina and percussion make Maskandi sonically unique. That sound is not just music to my ears - it's a heartbeat. It's something I can immediately recognise and feel deep in my soul, no matter where I am. Generational connection I have strong memories of hearing Maskandi at family gatherings, on long taxi rides and on the radio. It became a bridge between generations - a way I connected with my family and friends through shared songs and dance. Personal nostalgia For me, Maskandi brings back memories of home, rural visits, community celebrations and the voices that shaped my childhood. It's not just music - it's a part of my emotional and personal history.
eNCA
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Judith Sephuma celebrates young voices
JOHANNESBURG - The Mayibuye iAfrica Concern is returning to the iconic Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein at the end of June. This year's event is themed the Rebirth of Ubuntu. READ: Ladysmith Black Mambazo takes centre stage at Joburg Theatre And it's a tribute to South Africa's Youth Month and the resilience of South Africa's young people. It will be a 4.5 hour musical experience for fans of Maskandi, Afro-soul, Kwela and African jazz. One of the stars of the show is South Africa's Jazz and Afro-soul sensation, Judith Sephuma.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Breindy and Matt on International Singer-Songwriters Association recognition
Husband-and-wife music duo Breindy and Matt have been nominated at the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA). Singing duo Breindy and Matt are nominated at the International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA). Picture: breindyandmatt It is generally considered better to be appreciated at home first than outside because being valued by those who know you is deeper and more meaningful. Husband-and-wife music duo Breindy and Matt have been nominated at the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) in two categories: Single of the Year and Duo of the Year. 'I think it's important to get some recognition at home as this is where we are based, and I'm glad Al Tuster is playlisted on Ukhozi FM; it's important to be grounded and for your music to have some relevance,' singer Breindy Klawansky told The Citizen. In 2018, she released Ruth Ave, which was nominated for Best Alternative Album at the 2019 South African Music Awards (SAMAs). The album also received a global music award in 2021. Klawansky sings the original biblical texts in Hebrew. Klawansky released her debut album Halleluka in 2011 after being signed to Ruth Ave Studios, where her husband Matt is the director. She and Matt are known as the music duo, Breindy and Matt. The Issa was established in 2018 by US singer Tamanie Dove. Its main purpose is to support, promote, and educate independent artists across all genres worldwide. ALSO READ: A show of Mzansi's diversity as Hebrew and Maskandi musicians collaborate Connected worldwide In 2024, Klawansky was inducted into the Grammy Academy as a voting member of the Recording Academy. Through membership, one can participate in the Grammy Awards process, including submissions for consideration, propose rule changes to the awards process, and vote for the Grammy Awards. The singer says since the induction, she has made strong connections with other musicians worldwide. 'I'm connected with a lot of diverse musicians around the world and like to keep up and follow their progress, so that's how I usually hear about all kinds of music competitions and awards,' Klawansky shared. In late 2024, the duo released a song with Maskandi musician Mbuzeni on the song Al Tuster. The track brings together the traditions of the two musicians and weaves the Hebrew words of Psalm 27 with Zulu praise. ALSO READ: SA's Breindy Klawansky inducted into Grammy academy Hopes of winning Klawansky says they had to submit their music to Issa during a certain time period to be considered and have a certain amount of music released on major platforms. 'Once nominated, we had to get a certain amount of votes from our fan base to make it to the finalists, and the voting period was held throughout April,' shared Klawansky. The Issa awards are scheduled for August 23 in Atlanta, Georgia. 'I don't think I'll manage to attend the awards ceremony as I have other commitments, but my goal is to try [to] attend the Grammys if not next year then, please God, the year after.' When asked which award they'd prefer to win, Klawansky says the Single of the Year is one they're eyeing. 'I'd be grateful for either award but would be super touched and honoured for our song Take Me Back to win for best single of the year,' she said. 'I especially feel drawn to it – we started working on it in 2020, during Covid, when our studio was set up in our corridor, and [I] am proud of Matt's production and the sound and feel we achieved on it.' NOW READ: South Africa among 17 countries to screen Simply Red concert in cinemas
TimesLIVE
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Jazz musician Billy Monama excited about hosting 3rd edition of Mayibuye iAfrika concert
Jazz artist Billy Monama will host the Mayibuye iAfrika concert in Johannesburg next month. The concert returns for its third electrifying edition, this time with a 'powerful youth unleash special' and legendary line-up. The musical experience takes place on June 28 and 29 at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. The concert will feature artists such as Soul Brothers, Maleh, Berita and many more. Curated and directed by celebrated renowned guitarist, composer and author Billy, the 2025 concert will present a 4.5-hour musical journey that transcends generations. Backed by a 20-piece orchestra, masterfully arranged and conducted by Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Arthur, the soundscape promises to be nothing short of unforgettable, according to the organisers. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Billy said the event is aligning with South Africa's youth month and honouring the role of young people in their 'excellence, cultural diversity, resilience and optimism'. 'Mayibuye iAfrika celebrates South Africa's rich musical heritage, revives the spirit of ubuntu and unity. It's a call to preserve our stories, social cohesion and shape a progressive future through playing our part in community. This concert will be a feast for music scholars, aspiring and current musicians, as well as Maskandi, Kwela, Afro-soul, Mbaqanga and African jazz connoisseurs and fans,' he said.
