“The feeling doesn’t get old”
Mafikizolo sad they won’t be at the Samas
After many years of dazzling the SA Music Awards (Samas) red carpet, scooping awards and making headlines, Mafikizolo are still the talk of town.
Tonight, as the first leg of the 24th edition of the Samas gets under way, they will be missed among the galaxy of stars.
The band will be in Zambia for a two-city tour of Lusaka and Ndola, headlined by them and Fally Ipupa from DRC.
Nhlanhla Nciza explains: “The shows were confirmed long ago and we didn’t know the date for the Samas, so we are devastated, especially me.”
Even in absentia, Mafikizolo savour the Samas as Theo Kgosinkwe shares: “We still feel the excitement when we get celebrated for the hard work we put in, and after the touring and performing, it’s a great time to be with colleagues and admire others in the industry.”
They go in with six nominations, including duo/group of the year and album of the year, and they couldn’t be happier.
Kgosinkwe remembers how two years ago they walked away with eight gongs in one weekend. I ask him if they expect to repeat the feat.
“I’m hoping we at least get three, even two is okay, a nomination alone is an honour.”
Kgosinkwe points out that consistency pays off. “We get nominated each time we release. Getting six nominations shows that the album is strong.”
Nciza concurs: “It’s humbling that after all these years we get nominated alongside new artists. It shows that over the years our old fans have loved us and we have gained new ones. There are hip-hop fans who look forward and follow Mafikizolo.”
This year is special to the band. After winning countless duo/group of the year and best African pop gongs, they will share the glory with their engineers and producers because their album, 20, is also nominated in those categories.
Says Nciza: “The feeling of being nominated doesn’t get old, but truth be told, we didn’t expect so many.”
Kgosinkwe says Mafikizolo has withstood many challenges but remain united because they share a common vision.
“We respect each other and our craft. It’s not easy being in a group because we differ on opinions and ideas, but we always reach a compromise.
“We are passionate, we love our fans and put them first. We still want to be the biggest band on the continent and expose the brand to the European and US markets.
“We want to be like Ladysmith Black Mambazo who won Grammies, that is our ultimate wish.”
The band hasn’t ruled out solo projects. “Kopano ke matla [unity is strength], it’s true, but there are other things we would like to do individually so that we don’t limit our potential,” says Kgosinkwe:
“The focus right now is on Mafikizolo’s album. We put the group first and will exploit it before we consider exploiting Theo and Nhlanhla. I don’t know about Nhlanhla but I would like to do my third solo project, given an opportunity.”