SOUTH Africa-based Maskandi artiste, Zinjaziyamluma has said the genre is experiencing a decline in appreciation as compared to 2016 and 2019 where it was highly popular.
He expressed the sentiments ahead of his upcoming show with Thobela Arts Foundation on May 6 at the Bulawayo Theatre. The show will be supported by Godolude, Amaqaqa and DJ Mapressa.
“Maskandi music has gained a huge following, but its popularity is declining because its performers are no longer actively promoting it,” he said.
“In recent years many people had fallen in love with the music and its fan base had kept growing.
“However, nowadays the level of popularity of Maskandi music is declining. It's no longer like how it used to be between 2016 and 2019.
“I’m doing this show as it’s been a long time since I last performed live in Bulawayo and I need to reconnect with my followers who only have to resort to radio for my music.”
He said plans were being made to bring the vibe back home and other sectors were recognising the genre like awards.
“We are trying by all means to get the genre recognised and also lift it up like other genres. We have also tried to make it get recognition in awards ceremonies,” he said.
The award-winning artiste, who has 11 albums under his name, added: “My music lovers should come and witness good music being performed live in Bulawayo, We have been shortchanging fans.”
Thobela Arts Foundation founder, Oscar Siziba said Zinjaziyamluma is loved by a lot of people and is a humble person.
“His style motivated us to work with him and he is a vibrant and energetic artiste. We are working towards supporting our local artistes hence we are working with him (Zinjaziyamluma) and it won’t end with him only, we are taking up more local artistes,” he said.