Shwi noMtekhala keep all qualities of Maskandi in their newest six-track collection of bangers “Kuthathe Konke.”
The best thing to happen to the Maskandi sound was digital music. Before now, Maskandi music was mostly limited to Zulu strongholds and gatherings, and not much fanfare was made when an album was about to be released, even though it was made by the legends of the scene. The cassette means of distribution also meant few areas and lesser numbers of ears were reached.
With music digitalisation and the widespread availability of various streaming platforms, Maskandi music now has access to more influence, areas, and demographics. And these advantages have made veterans utilize everything to their advantage, and one music duo that has done the most to ensure Maskandi music spreads further into every corner of Mzansi is Shwi noMtekhala. The duo, whose professional musical journey took off with their 2003 debut album, “Dustbin,” and reached new heights with the 2005 release of “Wangisiza Baba,” have been one of the most solid forces in the scene.
In the over two decades they have been in the music scene, they have not disappointed us, not once. In fact, the CDs they have released have sold over hundreds of thousands of copies, and the success of these songs and albums was further cemented with prestigious awards. Keeping with the trends, while also bringing the real essence of Maskandi, which are guitar, storytelling, driving rhythmic groove, Zulu chants, and more, they have delivered to us this six-track EP called “Kuthathe Konke.”
“Kuthathe Konke” is a well-crafted EP, and with the exception of “Nhliziyo Yami Ayikhohlwa” with Shumi Lensizwa & Shumi Lensizwa and “Ngabona Amathanga Amhlophe” featuring Maphungula IzinganeZoma & Maphungula IzinganeZoma, all other songs on the EP were solely written and composed by the duo.
Enjoy!
Leave a Reply