Home of maskandi music celebrates with 38 performers at festival
Maskandi icon Inkunzi Emdaka lauded the maskandi music festival held in KwaBhaca on Sunday, saying the folk music genre had a rich heritage.
Now in its second year, the festival is hosted by the department of sports, recreation, arts & culture (Dsrac).
The small town of KwaBhaca was buzzing with activity, with 38 groups from as far afield as Port Elizabeth performing at the festival.
Umzimvubu municipality mayor Bulelwa Mabengu said the local economy had received a boost with many lodges and guesthouses fully-booked, and shops full of customers.
“It gives us great pride to see that the department recognises the role this town and its surrounds have played in the heritage of maskandi music. Its roots are here; also look at the likes of Inkunzi Emdaka and the late Saba Mbixane who are children of this area,” said Mabengu.
Inkunzi Emdaka, who paved the way for many maskandi musicians, said the only stages he was afforded were in KwaZulu Natal or Gauteng, and never in his own hometown.
Being from the area, he said he was happy to see government taking strides in allowing musicians to be celebrated at home.
“This space has also allowed young and old artists to interact and share ideas, and most importantly followers.
“It has been a joy to watch some of these young and upcoming artists. I can see who has potential and I can give advice accordingly, which is also important,” he said.
One of the department’s most senior officials Sakhiwo Sodo, said maskandi music contributed to nation building.
“The lyrics are often wellthought out and if you listen carefully, you will hear that many of these songs speak out against social ills such as domestic violence and crime in general,” said Sodo.
He said the purpose of the festival was to use arts and culture to promote social cohesion across society and afford district maskandi artists a platform to showcase their talent.
Dsrac MEC Bulelwa Tunyiswa said music unified people.
“It is a vehicle that people use to talk to one another in one voice at the same time, it has the power to heal broken hearts and souls, and due to the spread of maskandi music in the province, particularly in this part of the province, this type of music has followers throughout the country,” said Tunyiswa.
Maskandi’s roots are here, also look at the likes of homegrown Inkunzi Emdaka and Saba Mbixane