Maskandi music: The remix that's reshaping South Africa's soundscape
Image: Supplied
Maskandi music, an age-old Zulu genre, is experiencing a resurgence like never before, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, and proving once again that music evolves to reflect the times.
According to recent data from Spotify, Maskandi has emerged as South Africa's fastest-growing genre over the past two years, with almost half of its listeners under the age of 35.
Historically a rural art form, steeped in Zulu storytelling, this genre is now being revitalised by a new wave of Gen Z artists who are ingeniously blending it with contemporary styles such as Amapiano, gospel, and hip-hop.
The result? A vibrant and exciting evolution of a cultural treasure—leading to a musical renaissance.
The explosion of interest in this genre was highlighted by the staggering growth of Spotify's Bhinca Nation playlist, the definitive destination for contemporary Maskandi.
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Since its inception in 2022, the playlist has ballooned by over 3,000%, now averaging more than 2 million streams each month. Other playlists like Zulu Love Letter and Khuphuka! serve to further illustrate the genre's expanding creative spectrum.
This considerable surge in listenership is not only benefitting traditional figures in the Maskandi scene but also paving the way for new and emerging talent.
Statistics from 2023 show dramatic increases in streaming for legacy artists: Umafikizolo has witnessed a remarkable 897% rise, while Mshinwemali and Sminofu saw increases of 495% and 258%, respectively.
Even established artists like Inkos'yamagcokama and Mzukulu are experiencing growth at 86% and 79% respectively. Moreover, fresh acts such as LIMIT NALA and MENZI MUSIC are swiftly making their mark o
n the scene, embodying the innovative spirit that characterises modern Maskandi.
These encouraging statistics signal far more than just a genre revival; they reflect a generational movement anchored in pride, experimentation, and a renewed sense of identity.
To gain further insights into the catalysts driving this evolution, Spotify collaborated with the Consumer Insights Agency to commission an in-depth report identifying six key trends shaping the future of Maskandi.
'Spotify is more than a streaming platform—it's a cultural catalyst,' said Phiona Okumu, head of music for Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa.
'We're proud to support a new era of Maskandi artists and fans who are redefining what it means to be proudly Zulu in a global music world. We look forward to doing more work in this genre.'
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