Mthandeni SK and Sminofu Out, Two Big Names Lost in the Badedele Maskandi Festival
The famed maskandi musician Mthandeni SK shocked fans by declaring on the internet that he would not be performing at the Badedele Maskandi Festival in 2024. The spectacular show was expected to be provided by the star-studded roster, which included Khuzani, Gatsheni, Mzukulu, Inkosi Yamagcokama, Limit Nala, and more. The event was set for July 13 at Johannesburg’s Newtown Precinct Park. Fans and other artists, however, are in disbelief about Mthandeni’s abrupt departure.
The outspoken musician said that his cancellation was due to Sminofu, a well-known maskandi performer, not being included in the schedule. Mthandeni, who was furious at the rejection, wrote in a harsh post that the event would be “as dry as a bone” without Sminofu. Considering Sminofu’s talent and admitting lesser musicians, he criticized the event’s reasoning, calling it “a slap in the face.”
His fans responded to Mthandeni’s post with a mixture of appreciation and disapproval. While some thought he had handled the matter poorly, others praised him as a hero for taking a position against politics and alleged favoritism. Certain comments joked that Mthandeni “must have been drinking from the wrong fountain” or that “he ought to get his head checked.”
In response to Mthandeni’s post, Sminofu expressed gratitude for him noticing the unfairness. He expressed the same concerns as Mthandeni, wondering why Govozile, an artist he thought was less talented than him, had been invited to perform while he was not. Fans are curious as to whether the festival will succeed even without Mthandeni and Sminofu’s involvement in light of the dispute.
A heated debate concerning bias and partiality in the maskandi music industry has been triggered by Mthandeni’s courageous approach. Some have praised his bravery in confronting authority, while others have decried him as conceited and polarizing. Something is for sure as the dust settles: more than mere sound will be remembered from the 2024 Badedele Maskandi Festival.
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