IzindabaMusic

Maskandi proves to be a powerhouse once again

Despite hiccups and other issues, Impicuzeko was a huge success, writes Sihle Mkhize

Maskandi music and events are thriving and flourishing every year. Young and old  South Africans come out in numbers to watch Maskandi live events and festivals.

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Just recently, we saw throngs flock to iMpucuzeko Maskandi Festival at Moses Mabhida Stadium last weekend.

There was a sombre moment when a dancer from one of the performing groups slipped on stage. They needed emergency medical attention after twisting their leg.

Unprofessional

“We urge the ambulance people to come closer on stage. Something has gone wrong here,” announced Zimiphi “Zimdollar” Biyela.

The dancer was then rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. We couldn’t establish his name as some media members were prohibited even from taking photos at the event.

This incident occurred before live performances began. The legendary Phuzekhemisi never disappoints when on stage.

He set the bar high with his hit song Imbizo which was released over 30 years ago. The song remains a big song in the Maskandi genre.

The Purpose was informed that some stage managers interrupted artists while they performing, telling them to wrap it up.

“I was physiologically distracted during my performance. Someone came and whispered to me about the time remaining. It was unprofessional,” Phuzekhemisi said.

According to some Maskandi lovers who spoke to the Purpose, artists who gave their best perfomances were Ntencane, Skhenqe, Inkosi Yamagcokama, Potso, Ithwasa leKhansela, Qhosha, Osukasambe, Bahubhe and Mfezemyama.

Potso stole the show and turned the Maskandi event on its head. The lady who was backing Potso is also talented, it should be mentioned.

Potso stole the show

In future she must be granted platforms to shine as a solo artist. She sang the late Busi Mhlongo hits like Yaphel’imali Yami and the crowd was set on fire.

Potso during his performance at Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival

It’s so sad that the event started very late and some of the artists couldn’t perform. This was due to the show running out of time.

“May the artists please perform at least two songs because the line-up is too long. Some musicians may return home without performing. Would you go back home happy without witnessing your artist performing?,” asked MC Tshatha Ngobe.

The rain tried to damped the mood but at the end it proved that people love Maskandi. They did not mind the downpours as they reveled late into the night and it’s was very cold.

SAPS and eThekwini Metro police arrived around 5am on Sunday to make sure that the event shut down at 6am.

And indeed some Maskandi artists went home without even greeting their fans fans, or coming close to the microphone.

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