MASKANDI artist Dlubheke “Minister” Khuzwayo has warned his colleagues to protect themselves against HIV.
The 24-year-old who recently released his 10th album called Yadli’intshebe, said he has a track on his album Sula Izinyembezi about what has killed so many maskandi artists.
Khuzwayo, who was born in Nquthu in northern KZN, said he believed many maskandi artists died of Aids because they were not careful.
“When they become famous, they have many girlfriends and they get confused. Sadly, most of them don’t use protection and then die of Aids,” he said.
“I don’t want to mention names but I want to warn those who are still alive not to fall into the same trap.”
Khuzwayo encouraged those who were HIV-positive to seek the right treatment.
“It’s unfortunate that many maskandi artists don’t belive they can live better lives if they take treatment,” he said.
“Many of them are too shy to come forward, get tested and use ARVs.
“Others run to traditional healers because they believe they can help them.”
The Impiyamatekisi hitmaker said when maskandi artists became ill, they didn’t want to tell the truth about their situation.
“They usually say they have been bewitched by their rivals because of their talent,” he said.
“They go to traditional healers for help but those healers don’t tell them the truth.
“Traditional healers end up treating the wrong diseases while the person has HIV.”
He said many people had asked him to quit music because they believed other artists were bewitching them.
“I told them there is no witchcraft in the industry but many artists are killed by HIV because of fame. If you behave the right way, you live longer,” he said.
Khuzwayo, who is one of very few musicians who plays a 12-string guitar, worked with the late Mgqumeni Khumalo on his debut album Siqhathwe eNquthuin 2009.
