The 11th Annual Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival is scheduled for 2024.

The 11th Annual Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival is scheduled for 2024.

The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is scheduled to host the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival, an annual celebration of Maskandi music, on August 17, 2024. The festival, which began in 2012 and is now in its 11th year, has gained recognition and appeal throughout the years. As the festival has grown over the years, it has shown off a wider variety of Maskandi artists and helped the style to flourish.

History and Development:

The Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival began life in 2012 at Durban’s renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium, and it has a storied history lasting more than ten years. The festival has grown greatly since then, becoming one of the most eagerly awaited occasions on the Maskandi music calendar. The event has drawn thousands of admirers from all around South Africa and beyond as it has grown in popularity over the years. Due to its widespread appeal, it has been named “The World Cup of Maskandi,” which is a testament to its standing as the leading celebration of Maskandi music and culture.

The main goal of the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival is to honor and promote Maskandi music, which has a rich cultural heritage in Zulu culture. The purpose of the event is to showcase creative performers, unite fans of Maskandi, and further the genre’s expansion and growth in South Africa, Africa, and globally.

Performers & list:

From well-known bands to up-and-comers, the 2024 festival’s list of Maskandi performers is varied. Gatsheni, Stabhilithi, Mzukulu, Somnandi, Khuzani, Udumakahle, Mkhulekelwa, Jaiva, Skweletu, Mnikezwa, Imfez Emnyama, Jumbo, Amangcukumane, Muntuyenziwa, Mbuzeni, Amageza Amahle, Ntencane, Unjoko, Uggoko, Ntencane, Amavikela Mbuso, Mdumazi, Amayellow Bone, Izingane Zoma, Buselaphi, Mlabalaba, Skhenge, Khaza, Vumile, Saliwa, Ndoni, Falabo, Mjondolo, Othanduxolo, Sgwebo Sentambo, Qhosha, Cevuzile, Amabhulethi, Mjabulisi, and Ali Mgube are among the performers who will grace the occasion.

They used the chance to tease even more intriguing musicians to join the already stellar program at the eagerly awaited lineup reveal. Agreements with a number of other talented performers are now in progress, and once everything is finalized, they will be added to the roster, according to a statement released by the organizers. Fans are excitedly speculating about which Maskandi heavyweights might join the already amazing lineup of performers in light of this alluring promise. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of additional lineup additions, as the organizers are known for providing outstanding talent and surprises. Something is clear as the anticipation grows: the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival is expected to be a remarkable celebration of Maskandi music and culture.

Location and Date:

The Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival is often held at Durban, KwaZulu-Natal’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, also referred to as Peoples Park. Since the event is taking place at the same location, this year’s event won’t be any different. The actual date of the event varies from year to year, but it always takes place on August 17, 2024, this year.

Entry and Tickets:

Scheduling or at the gate are usually the two ways to get festival tickets. The registration process typically offers a little lower price than paying at the door on the day of the event. There are public entry and VIP choices, with prices varying based on the category. The general admission ticket for this year costs R150 per person and goes on sale at Ticketpro and SPAR on Friday, July 19, 2024. When this article was written, the cost of the VIP tickets was still unknown.

Importance and Effect:

By providing a stage for musicians to display their abilities and engage with listeners, the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival has grown to be an influential occasion on the Maskandi music calendar. The festival encourages collaboration between cultures and boosts the local economy. The KZN Department of Arts and Culture, the Ilanga News Paper, and Amathole Funerals are supporting this year’s event.

Difficulties and Resilience:

Although the festival has had several difficulties, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the main obstacle, forcing its cancellation in 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, the event made a reappearance in 2022, to the delight of both performers and fans.

Respecting Legends:

The Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival has served as a venue to recognize the legends who have influenced the genre in addition to being a celebration of Maskandi music. In 2022, a unique performance named Ihora Labadala was held in memory of the late Zibokwakhe “Phuzekhemisi” Mnyandu and Bheki “Ihashi Elimhlophe” Ngcobo.