Up close and personal with maskandi giant, Cevuzile
HE is known for breaking new boundaries in music and transforming traditional music.
Maskandi giant Mlindeni Mchunu (34), aka Cevuzile, of Ofasimba Reserve outside Empangeni, is not only making a mark in the industry, but also reaching new heights. This Zululand-born performer visited the Zululand Observer this week for an interview, during which he discussed his music journey and plans for the future.
QI was born in a family that loved music. My father would play music on his cassettes every time he came home from Johannesburg.
I grew up in an environment mainly influenced by traditional music. As a young boy I started performing at school functions, cultural activities in the area and during Christmas events.
QWell, I’m really shy, but when I know someone, I can really talk. Cevuzile means being talkative.
QWhen did your interest in music take root? How did you get the name Cevuzile? When did you start writing music?
When I was in matric a song came to mind and I wrote it down and started experimenting with it.
To my surprise it became a hit and people loved it, and that’s when I knew I was an artist.
When did you start your journey as a professional musician?
After finishing school I had to move to Johannesburg to look for work.
I worked as an engineer while studying, but never neglected my music and would do it on the side.
In 2010 I formed a group called NUF and we released an album
Lagiya Kamnandi. I started my solo career in 2011 after being discovered on Ukhozi FM by Khathide ‘Tshath’ Ngobe.
I used to call the radio station every day and formed a relationship with him. He then introduced me to music and theatre legend Mbongeni
Ngema, who signed me up under KZN Music
House and that’s how my solo career was born.
QI have five albums, including Ngiyabonga Mama, which I dedicated to my mother.
QI have been nominated for the Best Newcomer award during the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) in 2012, and nominated in the same category for the Amantshotsho Kamaskandi Awards.
In 2014 I won the Best Maskandi category at the South African Volunteer Awards (SAVA) and took third place at the Ilanga Awards.
QI have played on many stages, including the Fact Durban Rocks Festival, Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival, uMlalazi Maskandi Festival and uMhlathuze Beach Festival, to name a few
QThe aim is not to produce music for certain genres, but to include everyone. Young people don’t seem to be into traditional music because it doesn’t speak to them, hence I decided to introduce elements of other music genres. I have worked with gqom royalty, Tira and Tipcee on the song Umalume, and today I am still overwhelmed on how South Africans, especially youngsters welcomed it.
that How many albums do you have under your belt? You have been nominated many times and won some awards? You have also performed at many top events Your music is very popular among the youth. How do you make it relevant? We know you wrote a song about TV and radio personality Pearl Modiadie. Tell us about
The song is about a young man in love with a woman. I express the way I see her, I mean she is beautiful and most South Africans love her.
I really didn’t know it will also make waves and reach her ears. We actually plan a video for the song soon.
QHow was it meeting your ‘crush’ woman?
She is a humble and gentle soul, and she was really happy about me writing a song about her.
She actually used the song to introduce her when she is doing interviews.
QWhat’s next for Cevuzile?
I am releasing my new song Affidavit this week and I hope people will love it.
Message to your fans
I am humbled that they love my music and buy it as well. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them and I appreciate them very much.