LEGENDARY maskandi musician Phuzekhemisi is preparing to release a book about his life in the music industry, which spans over three decades.
Phuzekhemisi, whose real name is Zibokwakhe Mnyandu, is excited that his history will live in a book that will be read by the next generation.
The book, which the University of Fort Hare music department has been writing since 2019, will tell all about his success and challenges in the music industry.
This is from 1988 when he started releasing albums with his brother, Khethani Mnyandu, who died in a car crash in 1993.
The musician, born in Umkhomazi, southern KZN, said he was approached by officials from the university’s music department after meeting them during his performance at New Orleans in the USA.
The Imbizo hitmaker told SunBuzz that the officials asked him to publish a book with them and former Ukhozi FM station manager Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande, who played a big role in developing maskandi.
“I didn’t hesitate. I was honoured that my history would be written in the book, which is something I had been wishing for,” he said.
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“I’m happy about the book as it will keep my legacy alive when I’m no more. I’m waiting for the university to wrap it up so we can launch it.
“Had it not been for Covid-19, this book would be out by now. But I hope it will be out soon.”
Phuzekhemisi started singing in 1982 when he was a backing vocalist for a band called Special Five.
In 1988, he released his debut album, Malume, alongside his late brother. On the same year, they also released the second one titled Sengiyahamba.
In 1990, the duo got a big breakthrough with their third album titled Imbizo.
The book will reveal how he managed to keep going after his brother’s death.
“The book will also reveal my history as a maskandi artist who performed during the opening of the 2002 Fifa World Cup in Japan,” he said.
