AWARD-winning maskandi musician Khuzani "Gatsheni" Ndlovu is making history in the genre.
Gatsheni has become the first maskandi musician to officially reach Platinum status from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) after 15 years.
This recognition comes after a 15-year gap since maskandi top-seller Shwi NoMtekhala achieved Platinum status in 2005.
The 34-year-old musician from Pongola, northern KZN received his Platinum certificate from RiSA on Friday, 20 October, for selling more than 20 000 copies of his recent album titled Inhlupheko.
Gatsheni recently made history when he hit a major milestone on YouTube when his song Yimi Umalume reached more than three million views, securing his place as a number one artist.
The maskandi star, who scooped song of the year at the Satmas in 2021 with his track Emendweni, told Daily Sun that he's surprised by his success in the music industry.
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Gatsheni said what makes him different from other musicians is that he is not imitating anyone, but he came out with his unique tune.
“I also sing about what is happening in our country and make my song easy to sing along to for people of all ages," he said.
He said unlike some artists who engage in industry rivalries, he focuses on creating music that brings joy to his listeners.
Gatsheni recently hosted his first music concert called Gatsheni Music Festival in his hometown of Pongola on 7 October.
