Maskandi Folk Fusion with Qadasi and Maqhinga in KZN

Maskandi Folk Fusion with Qadasi and Maqhinga in KZN

KZN music lovers have two opportunities to catch Maskandi folk duo David Jenkins, aka Qadasi, and Maqhinga Radebe: on Wednesday 4 May at Distillery031 Still Sessions, and with a full band at Seaman’s Corner in Hammarsdale on Saturday 28 May.

At Distillery031 Qadasi will be performing alongside Maqhinga as an acoustic duo. Both professional musicians in their own right and sharing the same vision, joining forces has resulted in an international calibre of music which represents the heart and soul of South African roots music.

At Seaman's Corner in Hammarsdale Qadasi will be performing with Maqhinga alongside a full band set-up: Qadasi on vocals, guitar and concertina, Maqhinga Radebe on guitar and vocals, Sandile Dlamini on bass guitar, Malungi Msomi on keyboard and Gcina Khumalo on drums. In addition to the public performance Qadasi and his band will performing at Phezulu High School in Hammarsdale on 13 May.

David Jenkins, also known as Qadasi, is an accomplished Maskandi musician who developed a deep passion for Zulu culture and music at a young age growing up in Empangeni, right in the heart of Zululand. Now based in Durban, Qadasi is following his dream of being a professional Maskandi musician and is proud to be a SAMA (South African Music Award) and two-time SATMA (South African Traditional Music Achievement) Award nominee.

With the release of his latest album titled, Uhambo Olusha (A New Journey), Qadasi’s quest to revive traditional Zulu Maskandi music is well underway.

Over the past couple of years, Qadasi has accomplished a great deal as a South African artist, with some of his achievements including opening as the support act for Maskandi legend, Johnny Clegg, performances in the USA, Ireland, Thailand and the UK, and a performance at the 2015 SAMA Awards live show. There is much excitement in the promise of what lies ahead for this Maskandi artist who is continuing in the footsteps of this powerful genre’s icons.

Maqhinga Radebe began his career as a Maskandi musician in the mid 80’s and has received numerous awards for his amazing musical skills, which also include SAMA and SATMA Award nominations.

Well-travelled, he has performed to audiences in several countries, including Zimbabwe, England and the USA and throughout Southern Africa, sharing stages with top artists such as Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Phuzekhemisi and Soul Brothers, to name a few. He is presently most well known for his key role as the guitarist in popular Maskandi group, Shabalala Rhythm.

David first met Maqhinga in Durban in early 2010 when enquiring about a concertina tuner. After a ‘jam session’, thus began their story and the two have become firm friends, with Maqhinga taking the role of music director and producer of David’s first solo projects.

The talented musicians later decided to join forces after realizing the musical potential that was possible by combining their artistry.

The Still Sessions is a monthly music and dining experience brought to you by Distillery031 and iSupport Music Business. Distillery031 is Durban’s first craft distillery and home to an intimate cocktail bar and dining area. UK trained chefs Jordan and Net Semple server gourmet street food prepared with locally sourced ingredients to accompany the distillery’s range of signature cocktails. D031 distils fine spirits in small batches using all natural ingredients. Their range includes vodka, gin, rum, cachaca and absinthe.

The performance at Seaman's Corner is supported by Concerts SA and the eThekwini Municipality and brought to you by iSupport Music Business. Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian initiative that aims to stimulate live music in South Africa by finding and implementing ways to create regular, sustainable performance platforms. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools. In addition to this performance Qadasi and his band will performing at Phezulu High School in Hammarsdale on 13 May.