AWARD-WINNING maskandi star Gatsheni wants to foster cultural unity in the Mzansi music scene.
The 34-year-old artist, whose real name is Khuzani Ndlovu from Pongola, KZN, believes that building relationships in the entertainment industry is vital for artists’ growth and expanding their audience.
Gatsheni recently collaborated with Sho Madjozi and Makhadzi on a new single titled Ndi Rine, which beautifully blends Tsonga, Venda, and Zulu. He emphasised the importance of collaboration and camaraderie among artists.
“Having good relationships in the entertainment industry helps our music transcend borders and cultural boundaries. It promotes us as artists and makes our work accessible to a wider audience,” he said. “Seeing people from different cultures embracing maskandi shows how much they love what we do as artists. It means a lot that our generation is making history and pushing boundaries,” he said.
This year has been monumental for Gatsheni.
At the South African Music Awards (Samas), he won two prestigious awards: Best Maskandi Album and Best Male Artist.
Sharing the spotlight with industry giants lsuch as Tyla, Kabza De Small, and Mthunzi, he expressed gratitude for the recognition.
While fans often campaign for their favourite artists in the highly competitive Ukhozi FM Song of the Year contest, Gatsheni said he isn’t overly focused on winning.
“I’ll be happy if it happens, but it’s not a priority. Fans spend their hard-earned money to vote, and if there’s no financial reward for the artists, it doesn’t really benefit us in the long run.”