Maskandi group secures for their safety

Maskandi group secures for their safety

Due to local disagreements and violence, the Maskandi ensemble was forced to suspend recording for this year’s album. During the holidays, the Nquthu, KZN-based group releases an album. They have stated that this will be the first year since the group’s inception in 1993 that they would not release an album.

Members of the gang escaped a home-murder attempt in February of this year. They were ambushed by unknown gunmen, and the group’s founder, Shobeni Khuzwayo, and his nephew, Mthokoziswa Khuzwayo, were hospitalized.

Participants of the gang escaped a home invasion leading to a murder effort in February of this year. They were attacked by unknown shooters, and Shobeni Khuzwayo, the group’s founder, and his nephew, Mthokoziswa Khuzwayo, were taken to the hospital.

Recordings have had to stop because of the stressful circumstances, according to group founder and producer Shobeni Khuzwayo. Since we have to be in the studio together when we record, it is now unsafe to go and record in Johannesburg. We’re not sure why, but someone wants our blood. We are forced to leave the studio since it is a public space,” Shobeni stated.

“You must reserve the studio in advance and write your name and the days you plan to use it in plain sight. That’s visible to everyone. We may all be attacked by those who wish to harm us when they have that knowledge. Shobeni’s sons who are by name Dlubheke and Falabo Khuzwayo, who are also musicians, as well as famed guitarist and Izingane Zoma co-founder Busani “Ntshebe” Khuzwayo, managed to escape uninjured in February. Mthokoziswa, the son of Shobeni and Busani was further hurt  nevertheless and sent to the hospital receiving treatment.

According to reports, the majority community has seen several attacks, which is why former police minister Bheki Cele visited the region previously this year. The group has never missed a year of music releases since the year 1993. It was also when their debut album which is titled Inkomo was further released. Other albums by Izingane Zamakhosi that include Izangoma songs have been included. Among the group’s numerous successful albums are the names of the said tracks Obama, Msholozi, Isidina Sikamahlalela, and Umlomo.