Maskandi is a style of Zulu folk music. It comes from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It is played by singers who tell stories through song. The music is personal, deep, and local.
The name “Maskandi” comes from the Afrikaans word “musikant”, which means musician. But Maskandi has its own style, sound, and soul.
Where Maskandi Comes From
Maskandi started as migrant worker music. Men left rural homes to work in cities or mines. On weekends, they played guitar and sang about home, love, money, and struggle.
The music was mobile. The sound was raw. They walked with guitars on their backs. The lyrics came from lived experience.
Over time, it grew into a full genre.
What It Sounds Like
The Maskandi sound is based on guitar picking. It uses:
- Acoustic or electric guitar
- Bass
- Concertina (squeeze box)
- Traditional drums
- Vocals (talk-singing or chant style)
The guitar playing is fast and detailed. It has a rhythmic, repetitive sound. There’s often a spoken intro, called izibongo — praise poetry or personal story.
Maskandi singers speak directly. They tell the truth. The lyrics are often emotional or political. Some are about jealousy. Some are about fame. Some are just about village life.
The language is Zulu. The vibe is rural. But many urban fans now follow it too.
Key Artists
Bhekumuzi Luthuli: He was one of the legends. His voice was strong. His guitar style was sharp. He passed away in 2010, but his songs are still played.
Phuzekhemisi: He is known for political lyrics. He speaks about land, injustice, and government issues. His music is powerful and direct.
Igcokama Elisha: He is a modern face of Maskandi. He mixes tradition with new style. His fan base is huge. His music is personal and controversial.
Mjikijeli: Another popular new-generation artist. Known for beef songs and street poetry.
Khuzani Mpungose: Also called “King of Maskandi.” He fills stadiums. His albums top charts. He is loved and also challenged by rivals. His fans are loyal.
Maskandi Rivalries
Maskandi artists often diss each other in songs. These battles are called ama-beef. They are lyrical fights — like rap battles. Fans choose sides. This builds hype and keeps the genre alive.
But most artists respect each other outside music.
Common Themes in Maskandi
- Family
- Rural pride
- Traditional values
- Love and heartbreak
- Jealousy
- Struggle and money
- Praise of ancestors
- Zulu identity
- Fame and betrayal
The music often feels like a diary. It’s honest. Even painful.
Where You Hear It
- Taxis and buses
- Zulu homes
- Traditional weddings
- Live shows
- Radio stations (like Ukhozi FM)
- YouTube and Facebook Live
- Maskandi festivals (like Khuphuka Ne Maskandi)
It’s not mainstream pop, but it has its own massive base.
How the Sound Has Changed
Old Maskandi was slow and acoustic. New Maskandi uses:
- Synth sounds
- Drum machines
- Digital effects
- Sharp editing
The message remains. But the packaging is modern.
Some artists add Amapiano beats. Some feature hip-hop artists. Some shoot music videos. But most keep the Zulu heart of the genre.
Why It’s Loved
- It speaks to rural people in their own words
- It’s proud and cultural
- It’s spiritual — many songs reference ancestors
- It allows self-expression
- It preserves the Zulu language and values
- It has depth — the lyrics are not shallow
You don’t need to understand every word to feel it. The emotion is strong. The rhythm pulls you in.
Challenges
- Not enough radio play on mainstream stations
- Rivalries sometimes go too far
- Youth may prefer Amapiano or hip-hop
- Live shows face security and funding issues
Still, Maskandi survives. It adapts and grows.
Big Maskandi Songs (Recent and Old)
- Amagwala – Phuzekhemisi
- Imali Yabelungu – Bhekumuzi Luthuli
- Isilingo – Khuzani
- Inkwari – Igcokama Elisha
- Zonke Izinto – Mjikijeli
- Ngiyavuma – Mzukulu
- Inkinga – Shwi Nomtekhala
- Isitha Sami – Khuzani ft. Luve
Many of these songs are on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Words
Maskandi is more than music. It’s storytelling. It’s identity. It’s Zulu pride. It carries the voice of the working class, the villager, the dreamer.
In 2025, it’s still going strong. New artists are rising. Old ones are still respected. And fans keep the fire burning.
If you want music that tells real stories, that feels local and deep.
listen to Maskandi Updates
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