WeeklySA_AdminVOICE: Once the soundtrack of migrant workers, maskandi now booming among the youth, with radio champions like DJ Novazimtsholo leading its powerful cultural resurgence…
By Siyabonga Kamnqa
MASKANDI music has over the years remained an underrated genre, often supported mostly by migrant mine workers, the taxi industry and played at traditional gatherings.
But these days it has gained popularity, enjoying huge airplay, not only on radio stations but at youth gatherings as well – thanks to passionate maskandi radio deejays such as Engcobo FM (96.6 FM) presenter, DJ Novazimtsholo, who have taken it upon themselves to promote the genre through radio – particularly Novazimtsholo via his popular radio show, Sidl’iMbadu Sibuyel’Embo, which airs on Fridays, between 7pm and 9pm.
Born Sivuyile Mbutuma in the rural Eastern Cape village of Goso in Ngcobo, Novazimtsholo says for as long as he can remember, he has always been passionate about radio.
He has been with Engcobo FM for four years now and the station broadcasts to the greater Chris Hani district, which includes towns such as Ngcobo, Queenstown, Elliot, Cofimvaba, Cala and Tsomo.
Less known aspiring maskandi musicians have been given a platform through Novazimtsholo’s show. And, he believes there is a lot of raw talent that needs to be unearthed in rural communities.
Novazimtsholo’s on-air great sense of humour and deep cultural knowledge have made him the darling of thousands of listeners who avidly tune to his show.
“I used to listen to the late legendary Umhlobo Wenene FM deejay, Saba Mbixane and Zawu-Zawu, as Mbixane was affectionately known, put Maskandi music on the map and give exposure to unknown artists from deep rural areas.
“I think he remains a hero to many, if not all of us as maskandi deejays,” he says. Growing up in a family of taxi owners, Novazimtsholo recalls how he used to dance to the sounds of the likes of Mfaz’omnyama, Phuzekhemisi and Imithente blar-ing from the speakers of taxis.
“I grew up on maskandi. It is the only music that uplifts my spirit,” he says. If there’s one thing that fulfils his heart, he says, it’s seeing Maskandi music gaining popularity among the youth.
“Nowadays the youth no longer vibe to Gqom music and Amapiano only. It has become common to hear Maskandi music taking centre stage at youth gatherings and that makes me proud.
It shows that our young people are proud of their roots and tradition.
“I often get a positive response from young people about my radio show.
“They say Maskandi music reminds them of the days when their parents used to return home from the mines carrying a radio tape and jiving to the sounds of Maskandi.
“Also, I’m very proud of the young maskandi musicians such as Khuzani and Mthandeni who have taken the baton from the likes of Mfazomny-ama and Phuzekhemisi,” says Novazimtsholo.
