Langalakhe Mabena
South Africa-based-Zimbabwean Maskandi music superstar Zinjaziyamluma, real name Mxolisi Khulekani Moyo, has opened up on his experience of performing at this year’s Mother of All Maskandi music festival which took place in April in South Africa.
The festival was held at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban and it was organised by Ukhozi FM – which is one the top radio stations under the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) with over ten million listeners.
The token of appreciation for the winner at the festival was a brand new Toyota Quantum which was won by Gatsheni of the Hit After Hit fame. The Zimbabwean multi-award-winning muso who hails from Tsholotsho in Matebeleland North, said he was trapped between xenophobic and tribal fracases.
Before he went on stage, he said the festival experienced the “normal” feud amongst fans belonging to the two “Maskandi kings” Khuzani and Mthandeni whose Blue Nation and Red Nation fans (respectively on their names) clashed and threw missiles on stage.
In an interview with Khulumani FM’s TKP UNdlunkulu and Ex Da Voice, Zinjaziyamluma said the disturbances during the festival irritated him to the extent of almost refusing to dust off the mic on stage.
“When it was my time to get on stage, Mthandeni went before me and he had an altercation with Zim Dollar (Ukhozi FM host) who was one of the presenters during the festival, as they fought for the microphone.
“Mthandeni’s fans then started throwing missiles on stage and that made me retaliate when getting on stage for my performance because, already, I overheard that fans and other stakeholders were complaining of foreigners being part of the festival.
“I gave up at that moment, but, when the dust settled, one of the organisers of the event came to me and encouraged me to go on stage as they had managed to solve the crisis and assured me of safety.
“I entered the stage at 2am and I did what I know best, which is delivering good music to the people and the rest is history. My performance got people talking about my craft to the extent that the Ministry of Arts in South Africa called me and complimented my work,” said Zinjaziyamluma.
In the interview, the singer gave thanks to his legion of fans who voted for him to be part of the festival and encouraged Zimbabweans to support their artistes so that they can also reach great heights.
Zinjaziyamluma is enjoying the success of his 2023 album, Kubhulwa Uphoko Lwakwasilima, which has won him several awards.
