MUSIC unlocks the labyrinth to one’s soul, giving the listener free reign to completely lose one’s self in its simplicity and beauty.
It has the power to mend heartbreak and crack a smile.
For 25-year-old David Jenkins, his roots found purchase in the intricate and vibrant sounds of traditional Maskadi music.
ALSO READ: Highway’s idols singing in perfect harmony
The muso grew up in Empangeni and was always eager to tag along with his late father, Chris Jenkins, as he travelled into the heart of Zululand to cover a story.
His curiosity for the Zulu culture sparked at the age of eight and he felt a need to devour as much information about it as possible.
“I remember being completely absorbed during traditional events, with the dancing, singing and clothing. All of it was like, bam! this is it for me,” laughed David.
As he delved deeper into the culture, it was only a matter of time until he was exposed to traditional Zulu music.
He came across the well known artists, Phuzekhemisi and Mfaz’omnyama and these two performers ignited David’s passion for song and he affectionately described them both as ‘legends’ in the genre.
His parents later introduced him to Johnny Clegg, whose music is a fantastic blend of western and traditional styles. It was this unique mixing of genres that helped pave the way forward for David.
His 12th birthday is one he will never forget as he received his first guitar.
“They knew I loved the culture, but they thought it would be a phase,” said David. Two weeks later he was strumming his first notes on the guitar. “I took everything step by step,” said David.
ALSO READ: Life is a symphony for violinist
His goal was to play Maskandi, but it is an incredibly intricate style of music as it is a picking style and notes are played against each other.
David had no choice but to learn western chords first, starting with the folk tunes of Simon and Garfunkel.
Over the years he slowly moved into Maskandi.
“I mean, I was 12 when I started playing guitar. I wanted everything to happen then and there! It was a bit frustrating,” admitted the Kloof resident. Persistence was key and he ensured most of his homework was done at school so he would have large chunks of free time to continue practising.
A dark cloud enveloped the Jenkins family when David’s dad passed away in 2008.
His mother held fast and stayed strong for his family, and continued to push the young muso to follow his dreams.
A year later he was introduced to Maqhinga Radebe and Sibongiseni Shabalala, who works with the guitarist and is a member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He offered David a record deal.
Recording started in 2010 for his solo album, Child of Africa. “I was very new to the industry and was super young,” reflected David.
“While it may have been an experimental album it is definitely still a great one.”
Maqhinga took David under his wing and, since their first meeting in 2009, has played a large role in his professional career.
He has continued to build on from the success of his first album, and launched Uhambo Olusha (New Journey) in 2014 with the backing of a full band.
“It was raw, live and was the sound that I envisioned. It was pure Maskandi and was all real. It was then that I had an understanding of what I wanted,” said David.
ALSO READ: Zulu Warriors head to United Kingdom
He has been nominated for two SAMAs and three SATMAs and recently launched a collaborative album with his mentor and friend, Maqhinga.
The record, Lashisi iLanga, is an acoustic piece with an aim to bring back traditional music.
“Traditional Maskandi is dying and the style being played is largely commercialised. For this latest album we focused on the guitar work, concertina and vocals,” said David.
“We are the best of mates. He is like my father and when we hit the stage we go out there and do what we love. We have literally been travelling the world together,” concluded David.
If you could choose one place to perform, absolutely anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It would be in an incredibly beautiful setting in Europe.
Which international artists would you most like to perform with?
Paul Simon.
Describe yourself in three words:
Outgoing, introverted, patient.
If you were stuck on a deserted island which three items would you want with you?
Guitar, family album, panga.
David’s music is available online iTunes and via his website at www.qadasimusic.co.za.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
