Maskandi group builds on father’s legacy

FEMALE Maskandi group, the Izingane Zika-Kiss, started their musical journey to fulfil their father’s dying wish. The group was formed by the sisters in 2018, with the release of their first album two years later.

Their father, Phindela Maphumulo, known as Kiss Mantombazane, had a successful music career spanning more than 20 years.

Snenhlanhla Maphumulo says, “When we were young, our dad was already a musician, and we grew up watching him do rehearsals at home. Sometimes, he would practise a song with us and dance along also, and that’s what made us fall in love with music. During high school, we were part of the gospel group, and we did choral music at school. Even at home, we would make a noise singing.”

Woodhaven resident and owner of Play it Loud Records, Reggie Mthethwa, works with the young singers. He said, “We are a new record label, managed by individuals who understand what it takes to develop raw talent and prepare them for the big stage. “

In a vibrant performance at the KwaZulu-Natal United Music Industry Association (KUMISA) Johnny Dimba Creative Centre launch recently, the sisters wore meaningful clothing they’d hand-beaded themselves.

“The African genre of Maskandi music is an art. In our Zulu culture, we have clans (sikobi), and different clans in different areas have their own song and their own clothing. It is how groups identify each other – to dance together at a festival. Different areas sing different music, and one clan’s music is never the same as the other,” Mthethwa said.

Traditional clothing, called imvunulo, has become a fashion trend. In contrast, the performance costumes, bearing historically authentic colours and patterns from their home village, are what the South Coast musicians wear.

Maphumulo says, “The clothing for our performances represent the village we come from – Umbumbulu, in Folweni. Zulu traditional clothing is used for a traditional event or ingoma. The rattles we wear on our legs are made of beads or stones, empty bottles and a cloth.”

Mthethwa added, “It’s a rich history that’s been diluted into fashion. With Izingane Zika-Kiss, everything is authentic – the beadwork has the artists’ names, which means they are doing it themselves. There is significance in each and every bead and colour. It’s pretty, but there’s significance in the order and the colour scheme.”
The record producer adds that nurturing talent is important to him.

“I believe in developing people. The lesson I teach is: Whatever you know, it’s not yours, and you must pass it on. I only have a short life to live so if I can help somebody else help others, my job is done.”

For the group, music is more than a career.

“It’s etched in them; they are doing it because their father asked them to do it before he passed. The challenges can cause you to give up, but they are reaping their own rewards. It is a male-dominated genre – you do find females, but they are usually a side act,” says Mthethwa.

Mthethwa and KUMISA are currently advocating on behalf of the sisters, to locate the proceeds from their father’s musical legacy.

Mthethwa, who was an experienced DJ at the age of 18, describes himself as an entrepreneur and a ‘rebel with a cause’. With a successful corporate career behind him, he is returning to his first love – music. He works with KZN musical talents, such as Credo who is an Afro-pop performer from Chesterville, and gospel singer Mbali Mngadi from Folweni.

The Maphumulo sisters continue to add to their father’s legacy.

“Our dad asked us to form this group a few days before he died, and we went on to fulfil his wish,” says Maphumulo.

Kwanele and Sbongile Maphumulo, Londeka Shezi, and Snenhlanhla and Nokuthula Maphumulo. Photo: Sandy Woods.