Kumkani ukuzazi using music to spread healing
"The sound is a fusion of different genre of music and indigenous sounds. It's about the inner spirituality and celebrating where we come from."
Rondebult artist Xola Mabhengu, also known as Kumkani ukuzazi, is bringing a unique sound to the music space with a genre called Camagu.
This genre celebrates the African culture.
“The sound is a fusion of different genre of music and indigenous sounds. It’s about the inner spirituality and celebrating where we come from,” said Kumkani ukuzazi.
As a youngster, art saved him from a life of crime.
“Rondebult has a high unemployment rate and poverty. I avoided drugs and crime. I was then introduced to pantsula dance.”
That was the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
“As I got older, my love for entertaining others grew and I expanded to music. I fell in love with kwaito,” said Kumkani ukuzazi.
He was influenced by a number of artists, from the late Mandoza to Boom Shaka and Bongo Maffin.
“Listening to all these artists helped my music to further develop. I then discovered a love for poetry and I started writing my own material and music,” said Kumkani ukuzazi.
He started his music journey with a group called G.A.K which produced hip kwaito – a mixture of hip-hop and kwaito.
“The group helped me grow and around 2000 I started writing and performing as a solo artist,” said Kumkani ukuzazi.
He aims to inspire others with his music and tell life-changing stories.
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“I draw inspiration from various genre like Afro soul, Afro pop and Accapella. Every genre has something unique.
“When I listen, I find that element that inspires me to write and create,” said the artist.
He believes music can also heal.
“It can heal a wounded heart and comfort those who are in pain,” said Kumkani ukuzazi.
That is why his latest offering aims to bring healing through music.
“My latest album Camagu is a fusion of different elements of music. I want people to get in touch with their spiritual side, allow healing to happen through music and celebrate our traditions.”
On this album he worked with producer Lil Wawi.
Kumkani ukuzazi has shared the stage with well-known artists like Kwesta, Zahara , Zulu Boy, Bucie, Big Zulu, Dr Hugh Masikela, Ringo Madlingozi, Berita, Stimela, Tumi and the Volume and Sjava, to name a few.
His achievements include winning the 2013 Best Poet in Ekurhuleni, Best African Poet at Love Life in 2010 and 2012, Best Collaboration at Spice Beef Poetry Awards and he was nominated for Best Poet at Live Your Dream SA Music Award.
He was recently nominated for Mzansi Art and Media Awards for Best Hip Hop and Best Poet.
“I’m excited about the nomination because it means people are listening to my music. I would like to ask and encourage my fans and people to vote for me,” said Kumkani ukuzazi.
To vote for him, SMS MAMA 2935 to 40439.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.
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