By GUGULETHU MHLONGO
Maskandi music is a carefully thoughtout and orchastested combination of poetry in music. Often referred to as, “Zulu Blues”. Umaskandi, umbaqanga and isicathamiya are amongst the popular musical genres for IsiZulu speaking people. One of the largest ethnic groups in South Africa, Isizwe samaZulu. Is a nation that is respected for priding itself in its culture and lifestyle that boasts flavourful food, music, dance, as well as arts and craft. AmaZulu, are very expressive people. Often using the arts to share their daily lives, addressing social injustices, challenging inequality, promoting cultural pride and expressing love.
Umaskandi is one such gendre that is currently taking TikTok by storm. With hits such as; Luyazenzela by Phangandawo (ft. Shenge wasehlalankosi and Mjabulisi). Ubambo lwami by uMdumazi (ft Mjolisi) and Amacala obaba by Saliwa. Are replayed on thousands of videos across all social media platforms. Umaskandi music, is enjoyed and celebrated by other ethnic groups who have hopped onto the current trend known as #amabhincanation. One such characters is known as, Mehlemamba Ndigi, who is living the ibhinca lifestyle as a white man.
Ububhinca, for the IsiZulu speaking people means showcasing their culture and traditions through their daily lives. This includes how they dress, what they eat, practicing their customs and traditions.In our 44th issue, we spoke with South Africa’s most influential amabhinca youth. They have championed addressing social ills such as teen pregnancies, predjudice, and the current global crisis, gender based violence and femicide (GBVF). They are fondly known to their followers as; Saliwa, Nomzamo Hlophe, Mashudula, Qhawekazi and MaBiyela-Mthembu.
We spoke to these youth about their love for umaskandi music and leading a bhinca lifestyle. With a generation that is expossed to western lifestyle, provocative music and an unhealthy diet. We asked them what proppeled them to leading such a unique cultural lifestyle that many find strict. Ububhinca requires knowledge of culture, respect for others and a love for ones background and upbringing, ‘imumva’.
In a question and answer session this is what they had to say;
Q: Can you share with us what inspired you to lead a lifestyle of amabhinca and listen to umaskandi when many young people prefer the western lifestyle? growing up was very humbling. We looked up to men in our
Photo: (Top) Qhawekazi, Saliwa and MaBiyela-Mthembu. (Bottom) Nomzamo Hlophe and Mashudula.
Photographer: Give Thanks Communications
Makeup: Gleaming Beauty
Stylists: our collaborators
Mashudula; Isiqalo Accessories
Saliwa; Mvayiza
Mabiyela-Mthembu; Isiqalo Accessories
Qhawekazi; Beads by Fezeka & Isiqalo Accessories
Nomzamo Hlophe; Isiqalo Accessories
community as well as our brothers for advice on becoming the men that society needs. Today, through my uMaskandi music. I educate boy children and young men on the importance of respecting women. As well as the role we play in protecting the most vulnerable, who are women and children.
Q: Why do you think other youth look up to you?
Nomzamo: with me, it’s because I promote abstinence in order to avoid unwanted pregnancies and exposure to STI’s and STD’s. I’m afraid of disappoint my family, but mostly, I want to make sure that I have a career and my own money before I get into any relationship. In fact, I am waiting for marriage so that my husband is the only man I am intimate with. I would encourage all young maidens to abstain from all sexual activity and to preserve their purity.
Q: Ububhinca has become a national lifestyle, now celebrated by many youth across other ethnic groups. What do you think has lead to this?
Mashudula: as cultural promoters, I believe we have done an amazing job in promoting ububhinca lifestyle by leading it. Not only that, we also work with local events and uMaskandi artists in promoting them and their concerts. We have managed to get the attention of many youth. Ububhinca is just a matter of self awareness and loving yourself. Don’t wish to be somebody you are not.
Q: Why ububhinca, and why particularly an event promoter for uMaskandi music concerts?
Qhawekazi: I enjoy uMaskandi music. I grew up emakhaya and this is the music we grew up on. I chose to promote uMaksandi music events as uMaskandi speaks to me followers. We love culture, likestyle and music and this is the genre that resonates most with us.
Q: As a young woman who looks forward to marriage. What advice would you have for me?
MaBiyela-Mthembu: Yes, marry as a virgin. But virginity ends in a minute, what your marital family expects from you is respect and humility. Someone who knows their role and place as a wife and daughter-in-law. Always remember that you are representing your family. So it’s up to you to bring shame or honour to yyour parents who raised you.