South Africa’s finest maskanda musicians will take part in a major maskanda show on October 2 in the Durban City Hall. The massive line-up includes Phuz’ekhemisi, a musician who offers very poignant messages. “It’s unique, very tongue-in-cheek and he transcends all other genres,” says SABC’s KZN regional manager, Khaba Mkhize in an interview with The Daily News. “The kwaito guys emulate him, the reggae guys love him and he is really a household name who attracts thousands to his concerts.” Phuz’ekhemisi will be joined by Mfiliseni Magubane, Umfaz’omnyama, Ihash’elimhlope and Bhekumuzi Luthuli.

The maskanda concert is part of a massive 10-day music festival in Durban that starts on September 24 and takes place at a number of venues. The festival has also attracted the talents of Jabu Khanyile of Bayete, jazz maestros Sipho Gumede, Paul Hamner, McCoy Mrubata, Errol Dyers and Franc Paco. The Nordic Shuttle programme in association with the BAT Centre includes Tu Nokwe, Zim Ngqawana and Cross Rhythms. There’s also classical Indian music with Rekhadevi on at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on September 28.

VIBE 2000 has planned a kwaito rave on September 25 at a venue still to be secured and there is a gospel night at the Nu Jazz Centre on October 1. Mvunge’s Choral Society will fill the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre with sweet song on October 2, while Khanyile performs at the same venue on September 29. There will also be an isicathamiya competition at the BAT Centre on October 3, the last day of the music festival.