Maskandi sisters artists wow Melmoth

NTOBELA siblings, Thulisile and Nomthandazo, are taking the maskandi stage by storm.

The duo caught up with Eyethu Zululand recently, shortly after performing in the Edubeni area outside Melmoth.

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They said they developed a love of maskandi music at a young age, and in 2018 formed their own four-member group while working with Bahubhe.

‘We named our group Abazukulu baMbali after our grandfather, intending to honor him for giving us such a wonderful father,’ said Nomthandazo.

‘I am a teacher by profession, and all our group members are in tertiary education. We became more involved in this music style after meeting

Vumile Mgoma who groomed us.

‘We also worked with the ama-Yellow bone, Ithwasa leKhansela, and Bahubhe.

‘Our talent was discovered by Bahubhe, who encouraged us to form our group. Owing to Covid-19, it has difficult for us to work on and release our second album.

‘Our first album titled, ‘Sebemthathile’ was released at the end of 2018, and carries 10 songs. We are currently focusing on performances and school work,’ she said.

Originally from the south coast of KZN, the talented siblings now live in Durban.

‘The other two members of our group, Memelo Mkowena and Thulisile Mbambo, are from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape and Ngonyameni outside Durban respectively,’ she said.

Nomthandazo said initially they did not enjoy any support from their families and friends, but after their music was aired on various radio and television stations, their families started to recognise their talent.

‘We are climbing the waves; we have participated and shared the stage with famous musicians.

‘We performed at the famous annual maskandi festival, Impucuzeko

Maskandi, and many more. Our aim is to take our group to the highest level and compete with the best,’ she said.