South Africans were shocked when a maskandi track clinched the Song of the Year title.
Who voted for it, they asked?
But the genre remains strong, despite the growth of amapiano, house and new school RnB.
Maskandi, which can be viewed as a genre for older folks, has sparked a litany of young talents who are proving how devoted they are to advancing this style of music.
An example of this is an artist from Kwa-Zulu Natal who goes by the name Dumakahle.
His love for maskandi came from a realisation that through this genre, one can express different emotions, teach, and comfort others and that it is also a sound that can ground people, bringing listeners and creators of it closer to their roots.
“In 2014, I recorded my first album. I was assisted by a young talented man, known as Mbongeleni Zulu,” he says.
Dumakahle grew up in Newcastle, Osizweni in Blauwbosch, but originally, he is from Vryheid eNgoje; Mpumazi Village.
“I started learning how to play the guitar in 2012. I was 17 years old at that time. I was also taught by another young man from our community, Msizi Nkosi."
He then started a group with another close friend of his at the time in Ndumiso Nxumalo and they formed a group called Amajaji.
His talents for rhythm and lyrics have also hailed the attention of brands looking to collaborate with him. This came as an ambassadorship with local sneaker brand, Bathu.
“A short while ago, I was contacted by the marketing team from Bathu. I was excited because Bathu is undoubtedly one of my favorite brands, I already had a few pairs, and they could see how people reacted when I posted on my social media platforms.”
They engaged in discussions until both parties agreed that they should work together and they roped the young musician into a marketing campaign.
“Working with them has been fruitful, and there is nothing I can complain about,” he gushes.
We had to inquire about the cloud that hangs over maskandi and how this genre has steadily won the coveted song of the year at Khozi FM, something that is both winning listeners over and deterring others.
“I don't like commenting on such things because they have their politics,” he states in a point-blank fashion.
“Maskandi and the politics involved have always been a huge hurdle for me. Being blocked from a lot of places that are meant for me by people who want to be gatekeepers of the genre. Nowadays our music has become increasingly about who you know for you to prosper.”
Read more | Musician Mpumi on being carried by her father’s affirmations and making another song with Professor
Despite that Dumakahle has soldiered on and he has even managed to work with a hybrid artist of sorts in the form of rapper and singer Sjava.
“Working with Sjava made me happy. I didn't even believe he needed me on his song, simply because he is of a high calibre, and easily one of the most respected people."
Dumakahle enjoyed how he and Sjava believe in similar things when it comes to their creativity. “That music is about conveying a message, his music is at an all-time high, I was scared that I would ruin his song,” he laughs.
As it turned out Sjava was happy with his contribution, and he feels he was able to rise and elevate his game to match the celebrated household name.
Read more | Soso Maholwana beat Covid-19 and now he’s making gospel again and looking to win awards
“The good thing is that the song reached gold on digital platforms. Whenever we perform the song, people sing along from the beginning to the end.”
He cherishes the time he had working with a person who is perfecting their art with each passing year.
“One thing I learned from him is to love people, not to look down on anyone in life, and that he is not easily swayed by temporary things. He works with a person because he sees ability in them.”
Dumakahle’s sound is a calculated collision of old and novel approaches to maskandi.
“My music is vastly different, there is no album of mine that offers something like what you may have heard on the previous album. Every time I make music, I make sure that it is something new.”
In the years to come, he hopes to water the seeds of his career and see these grow into a bountiful meadow of creativity and success.
“I see myself sharing the stage with people I respect who were famous even before I even thought that I would ever sing. Hearing legendary singers like Thokozani Langa, Shwi noMtekhala, and Ihhashelimhlophe commending me, and remarking that I sing authentic maskandi and that I am easily one of the best lyricists in this space truly humbles me.
“Even when I win awards, I compete with renowned artists, and I meet other talented artists whom I respect. Listening to my song playing on big radio stations and watching it on television has been a huge honour.”
He is a man hell-bent on making a good impression on those who haven’t heard his music while also being sure to keep his loyal fan base well fed.
