Rediscovering the soul of Maskandi music: A cultural renaissance among young South Africans

IOL News

4 hours ago

Once seen as music for older generations, Maskandi is now finding a new audience among youth, thanks to a wave of modern artists blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences.
Image: Pexels/Anthonyshkraba Production
In recent years, a growing number of young South Africans have been rediscovering the rich rhythms and lyrical storytelling of Maskandi music - a genre long associated with Zulu tradition and rural life.
Once seen as music for older generations, Maskandi is now finding a new audience among youth, thanks to a wave of modern artists blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences like hip hop, house, and Afro-pop.
Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have played a major role in this revival.
Artists such as Khuzani, Mthandeni SK, Mzukulu and Ntencane are attracting millions of views and passionate young fans who appreciate both the genre's authenticity and its evolving sound - myself included.
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On my personal playlist, the beats of Maskandi play consistently.
Tracks like 'Uzophela Umcimbi' by Mafikizolo, 'Awuhlabe Kabili' by Limit Nala, 'Umkami Sengalile' by Mjolisi and 'Unikhodima' by Nhloso Khwela featuring Shenge Wasehlalankosi, are just a few examples of the electrifying music keeping my spirits elevated.
It's clear that I'm not alone; scrolling through my social media feeds reveals a vibrant community of fellow Millennials and Gen-Zers equally entranced by the genre's spell.
This resurgence is more than a trend - it's a cultural renaissance. Many young listeners say Maskandi connects them to their roots, their language and their identity in ways that modern pop often doesn't.
From township taverns to urban music festivals, Maskandi is once again making people dance, think, and feel deeply.
Recently, data from Spotify revealed that Maskandi has emerged as Mzansi's fastest-growing music genre over the past two years, capturing the ears of nearly half its listeners under the age of 35.
The platform's Bhinca Nation playlist has exploded in popularity, growing by over 3,000% since 2022 and now achieving an impressive average of 2 million streams each month.
This notable surge in streaming activity has translated into remarkable gains for both established artists and emerging talents.
Since the beginning of 2023, streaming figures for various artists have soared, with notable increases including: Mafikizolo: +897%
Mshinwemali: +495%
Sminofu: +258%
Inkos'yamagcokama: +86%
Mzukulu: +79%.
Additionally, burgeoning acts like Limit Nala and Menzi Music are rapidly gaining traction, expanding the genre's reach and diversity.
'Spotify is more than a streaming platform - it's a cultural catalyst,' asserted 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.'
In a recent interview with Independent Media Lifestyle, actor Wiseman Mncube underscored the genre's significance in both media and society.
Mncube articulated that African culture is often misrepresented and that no other musical genre encapsulates the essence of African culture as Maskandi does.
He noted that while many young people are drawn to contemporary sounds out of fear of seeming 'old-fashioned', the genre retains a poetic and healing quality that resonates deeply.
'I feel inspired by listening to such songs; they relate to my art in ways that are profoundly meaningful,' he shared.
maturing is realising that Maskandi music actually bangs, especially the love songs — — don (@dracosrevenge) June 16, 2025
Growing up in the early 90s, I was definitely lucky to be part of a generation that saw SA transitioning into a new era.
Amid all the changes, one constant in my life was the presence of Maskandi music - a powerful voice of culture, identity and storytelling. Here's why I love the genre.
Cultural identity and pride
Maskandi isn't just music; it's a cultural archive. I see Maskandi as a connection to my roots. It celebrates language, customs and everyday struggles. It keeps me grounded in who I am and where I come from.
Storytelling and honesty
The raw, honest storytelling in Maskandi is something that always resonated with me. Whether it's songs about love, family, politics, or social issues, the lyrics are heartfelt and unfiltered. Artists didn't sugarcoat life - and that realness shaped my worldview.
Unique sound and rhythm
The guitar picking style, often fast and intricate, and the use of concertina and percussion make Maskandi sonically unique. That sound is not just music to my ears - it's a heartbeat. It's something I can immediately recognise and feel deep in my soul, no matter where I am.
Generational connection
I have strong memories of hearing Maskandi at family gatherings, on long taxi rides and on the radio. It became a bridge between generations - a way I connected with my family and friends through shared songs and dance.
Personal nostalgia
For me, Maskandi brings back memories of home, rural visits, community celebrations and the voices that shaped my childhood. It's not just music - it's a part of my emotional and personal history.