There are several annual Maskandi festivals that take place in South Africa, each offering a unique celebration of this vibrant genre of traditional Zulu music. These festivals draw large crowds who come in the rain and sun to celebrate and cheer their favorite artists. Some of the most notable ones include:
1. Ukhozi FM Maskandi Festival: One of the most popular festivals is the Ukhozi FM Maskandi Festival, which is hosted by the popular Zulu radio station Ukhozi FM. This festival is attended by some of the biggest names in Maskandi music for a day-long celebration of the genre. Fans come out in their numbers to enjoy live performances by their favorite artists and experience the rich culture and heritage of the Zulu people.
2. Umgababa Maskandi Festival: Held annually in the small coastal town of Umgababa, this festival showcases established and up-and-coming Maskandi artists and a range of traditional Zulu cultural activities.
3. Mother Of All Maskandi Festival: MMF is an annual Maskandi festival inaugurated in 2024. D-Lokwe Investment organizes the festival. 30 Maskandi artists are lined up to compete for an award on the grand finale, which is awarded based on voting. In its debut season, uGatsheni won the competition by a wide margin.
4. Maskandi World Cup: This festival in Durban showcases the best of Maskandi music and attracts a large audience of fans and enthusiasts.
5. Umgungundlovu Maskandi Festival: This festival takes place in Pietermaritzburg and features performances by popular Maskandi artists, drawing crowds from across the country.
6. Ithala Maskandi Festival: Held in Ulundi, this festival celebrates Maskandi music and culture. It features performances by renowned artists and attracts a significant number of attendees.
7. Ugu Maskandi Festival: This annual festival holds great significance in South Africa as it commemorates Heritage Month in September. The 3rd annual celebration of the Ugu Maskandi Festival in 2023 was the greatest ever seen in South Africa. Ugu Broadcasting Services organized it alongside the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA), Umuziwabantu Municipality, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Vodacom, and SCTIE.
8. Itheku Maskandi Festival: Itheku Maskandi Festival started in 2015. With events hosted annually in and around Durban, It is the first of its kind. It promotes locally based artists who are bred and reside in and around KZN.]
9. Shaka’s Day Maskandi Festival: The Shaka’s Day Maskandi Festival is named in honor of the legendary Zulu warrior King Shaka, and takes place in Durban. This festival features a range of Maskandi performances, as well as a cultural village and other activities that celebrate the rich history and traditions of the Zulu people.
10. Vuma Maskandi and Fans Music Festival: The 4th Annual Vuma Maskandi and Fans Music Festival was celebrated in 2023. Imbo Communications are the organizer of the event.
These festivals provide a platform for Maskandi artists to showcase their talent, connect with fans, and celebrate the rich heritage of Maskandi music, drawing large crowds of music enthusiasts and contributing to the promotion and preservation of the genre.
