Loskop maskandi muso’s tune of success
The artist is looking forward to releasing his third album
Maskandi is a popular form of Zulu folk music, and its catchy lyrics and traditional sound grows on South Africans. However, getting into this lucrative industry is difficult to say the least.
This is evident in the 12-year path that Loskop maskandi artist Sithabiso Hopewell Msele (21) has travelled with his guitar, his voice and his dedication to break into the music industry.
Growing up in the rural village of KwaVala, Sithabiso’s interest in maskandi was piqued in 2010. After matriculating from Sizathina High School in 2019, he decided to follow his heart and went to Johannesburg, where he sang for those at the Denver Men’s Hostel.
With the support of his family, Sithabiso had an opportunity to record in a studio, which was a big breakthrough. He was thus able to release his first album entitled ‘Olwani Udlame’.
Knowing that he was destined for more success, the young musician started working on a second album called ‘Uyeza’, which he released in 2021. This, he said, opened doors to networking with promotion and management companies to take his music further.
Speaking about his second album, Sithabiso says, “This 10-track album has exciting songs that fully explore a unique blend of traditional Zulu rhythms. It is a major breakthrough, not only for me but for maskandi music as a whole.”
His next step, after partnering with former Estcourtonian Ndumiso Senzo Zondo, will be shooting a DVD, as well as releasing a third album.
Sithabiso has encouraging parting words for aspiring musicians out there: “To other young maskandi artists, if you believe in yourself and push your intentions and talent, you will reach your destiny. The music industry is not easy, but it all depends on you.”
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