Times Of Swaziland: OVER 40 ARTISTS FOR MASKANDI FEST

OVER 40 ARTISTS FOR MASKANDI FEST
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BY DUDU DUBE on 13/10/2021 08:07:00


MBABANE - It is bigger and better!
The biggest Maskandi show is about to land in the country. Over 20 Eswatini
artists and 20 South African best maskandi artists are set to perform at
Emkhuzweni Stadium, Buhleni in April 2022. Hosting the show is Menzi Foundation
under the leadership of Menzi Thabethe. The non-profitable organisation seeks to
eradicate poverty, create opportunities for young people in the arts industry
and help improve the entertainment sector.
It is worth noting that this will be the first festival with over 20 local
artists under the genre of maskandi. The Maskandi Festival show was officially
launched early this year at Buhleni where the likes of ‘Itotolozi’ hitmaker
Vumile Mngoma from South Africa, Queen Lolly and  Dr Buselaphi took Buhleni and
Maskandi music lovers by storm.
Local artists set to perform on the main day are Manzamnyama, Umfana weBhejisa,
Bhubesi, Shobalemfene, Ghabadiya, Sphasha, Abafana Bengomnyama, Majika,
Tidlam’lilo, Delakufa, Mlamuli, Mcwayizeni, Mshikishi, Mercedes, Majahilibhunu
and Ithandamanzi to mention a few. Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture
Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Dlamini, said they were aware of the event.
Confirmed
Dlamini also confirmed that the event will be written in the history books of
the arts sector.  “This is a big opportunity for local artists to showcase
their talents with renowned South African musicians. Through this event we
believe artists will connect and grow,” he said. Speaking to the host, Menzi
Thabethe, who is also the founder of Menzi Foundation, he said the show was
meant to encourage young people to embrace their culture and to motivate them on
how they can best improve the maskandi genre.
“Eswatini Maskandi festival is meant to encourage young people to embrace
their culture and to treasure traditional music. This genre is one of the types
of music some young people fail to relate to. I am actually trying to grow the
genre in Eswatini as I have noticed that there is a lot of hidden talent here. I
think this is the only way to start, by giving these artists a platform to
express themselves and show off their talents,” said Thabethe. Moreover, the
show will not only empower artists but its profits will be used to help the less
privileged in the country.
“In as much as we are trying to create a podium for local artists to expose
their talents, we also want to implement one of our goals which are eradicating
poverty and helping aspiring entertainers break into the industry. With the
tickets sales revenue, we want to build houses for the elderly, buy food parcels
and also help children with school fees,” he said.Tickets will be sold at E100
for general, E400 for the VIP section and E500 for VVIP.
Included
“We have also included ticket packages. We will be selling a family quintet
which will cost E400 for five people,” he added.  Thabethe went on to plead
with the nation and other companies to support the initiative.  He also shared
that they will be hosting road shows to promote this festival and during these
promotions, stalls will be made available for local entrepreneurs to sell their
products. Their first road show will be on November 6, 2021 at Nhlangano.
“We would like to plead for support, this is a non-profit event, and we just
want to promote the arts and help give young people a platform to show case
their talents. During the show we will be selling our tickets, Menzi Foundations
merchandise and t-shirts branded with the maskandi artists,” he said. The main
show will be led by Tshathugo and Zim Dollar who are South African
personalities. Artists from South Africa set to perform are, Thokozani Langa, 
Shwi Nomtekhala, the ever trending Khuzani, Gcokama Elisha, Bonakele , Amageza
Amahle, Dumakahle, Bahubhe, Falabo, Qhosha and Ezechalaha to name a few. In an
interview with the ‘Phuma Kimi’ hitmaker Thokozani Langa, he confirmed the
event and promised fun lovers the best of maskandi music.
Happy
“People will be happy and entertained. I will be performing my latest hits
including slow jams and gospel songs,” he said.  The ‘Sponono sami’
hitmaker, Shwi Nomtekhala also assured music lovers the best as he will also be
delivering an electrifying performance. “We are excited about the show, this
will not be the first time in the country and we will be bringing the best.
People will be surprised as we have a lot to share including new music with a
different taste,” he said.