Maskandi artists have called on government to convert the homestead of the founding father of Maskandi music, Phuzushukela, into a museum.
Artists visited the home and the grave of the former Maskandi icon in Nkandla, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Popular Maskandi artists sought the blessings from the family as they prepare to fill-up the Moses Mabhida Stadium later in March for a concert named #GcwalisaIMabhida
Retracing the origins of Maskandi music, the genre is now a multi-billion rand business thanks to Phuzushukela who pioneered it in this remote village.
The Maskandi music founder was a prolific guitarist and lead singer.
Leading Maskandi artist Khuzani paid homage to the family at their humble home, in a bid to garner support for the #GcwalisaIMabhida.
“We are here because we want to remind everybody who’s talking about Maskandi right now where does it come from. We are here at Phuzushukela’s home to ask for the blessings. As you know, that on the 30th March, we are going to fill up the Moses Mabhida Stadium.”
Phuzushukela’s family also gave their blessing to the campaign to promote the genre.
“We would like to urge our forefather from wherever he is to shine the light upon us and ensure that this kind of music never ends. We ask for his intervention by assuring that it grows from strength to strength,” said his son, Fana Bhengu.
The musicians say a museum at Phuzushukela’s home will help preserve the legacy and rich history of Maskandi music.
Maskandi artist Phuzekhemisi has appealed to government to turn the home into a museum.
“Our appeal to government is that they make this homestead a museum so that the general public will learn about the origins of Maskandi and also about Nkandla as a whole.”
There’s about 16 000 of the 50 000 tickets which went on sale still available for the concert to be held on 30 March.
