Maskandi Festival to benefit artists

Maskandi artists on the South Coast are relieved that they now have an annual event of their own.

This was revealed by Mbuzeni Mkhize from Umkomaas at the media launch of the third annual Ugu Maskandi Festival at Zuri Beach in Margate recently.

Mkhize explained that the festival is very important to them as Maskandi artists on the South Coast.
He said the event provides a platform for them to perfect and showcase their talents.

The Ugu Maskandi Festival will be held on September 30 at the Ugu Sport and Leisure Centre from 10am.
It will feature well-known artists such as Khuzane, Amageza Amahle, Amavikela Mbuso, Ezechalacha, Thwasa LeKhansela, Igcokama Elisha, Bahubhe, Ntencane, Chwane LeBhaca, Mbuzeni, Jumbo, Dumakude, Nyoni Emhlophe and more.

Mkhize said with September being Heritage Month, it will be a great way to close off celebrations with the Maskandi Festival.

Ugu District chairperson of the Cultural and Creative Industry Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA), Siya Sotsu said the intention of the festival is to build a legacy, adding that when building a legacy one needs a few people who are interested in that vision.

“I think the organisers of the Ugu Maskandi Festival have a vision for local artists, and by that I don’t mean artists only in the Ugu district, but in the province as well.” he said.

Meanwhile, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) acting mayor Sibusiso Shange said when he attended the festival in 2022, he told himself that the following year he will attend and the year after.
He said the reason being that artists were so committed to what they were doing.

“I was not even a Maskandi person at that time, the artists’ performances assist us in taking decisions on funding such initiatives. It would not be easy funding these events if the organisers and the artists are not doing what they are supposed to do. I also want to thank the people of RNM for supporting this event, I saw in 2022 how they filled up the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in support of the festival,” said Shange.

Meanwhile, founder of the Ugu Maskandi Festival Siyabonga Mkhungo said they will not repeat the mistakes made in 2022 in this year’s edition.

“Last year, we had an issue with the generator not functioning for a few hours, and a number of other issues, and we want to assure festival-goers that it will be smooth sailing. Without the support of RNM and Umuziwabantu Municipality, we would be nothing. I remember when I first went to pitch my idea at RNM, I was scared but I was advised that in order for my initiative to succeed, I needed to do this and that.

These municipalities are part of the heartbeat of Ugu broadcasting services, they make our events a success,” said Mkhungo.

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