By Sihle Mkhize
Legendary maskandi musician Phuzekhemisi has come out guns blazing, question the processing of the Covid relief funds for artists.
He says there was unaccountability in the department of sports, arts and culture under Nathi Mthethwa.
Mthethwa was the minister of sports, arts and culture. He recently resigned after he was demoted by president Cyril Ramaphosa.
Now, Phuzekhemisi, who is also known for speaking for voiceless has told The Purpose Magazine has come clean on the matter.
He was speaking to us from the comfort of his home and highlighted various issues in the music industry he felt needed attention.
And he singled out Dr Sipho Sithole as one of the problems.
“I wanted to speak to the minister before he was axed and question him about Sipho Sithole regarding lockdown funds.
“They must bring our money,” said a fuming Phuzekhemisi.
Dr Sithole currently serves on the boards of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), and the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO).
He also addresses the current state of maskandi music where a number of musicians fight over petty issues.
The Imbizo hitmaker also lambasted fellow artists who call themselves kings of maskandi.
Back in the day only those who had mbhaqanga (Zulu soul music) background were capable of shining in maskandi.
“Ihhashi Elomhlophe came from Soul Brothers and I was groomed by maskandi group named Special Five.
“My opinion is that we shouldn’t abandon them. I am surprised by these young musicians who call themselves kings,” said Phuzekhemisi.
When asked about the relevance of legends currently, he said they are the ones who made sales in music stores.
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“Ever since they started shutting down music stores… Stores like Reliable Music Warehouse and Musica are no longer operational.
“Please stop playing us, kids go home and have istambu (samp),” Phuzekhemisi said.
Last week Phuzekhemisi was performing at the Joburg International festival at Joburg Zoo. He left thousands of attendees craving for some more as he dished out his hits like Inja Yami.
Watch video of our interview below:
