Unjoko and Menzi Triumph at Khuphuka Nezakho Music Festival
The 2024 Khuphuka Nezakho Maskandi Music Festival, held at the iconic Curries Fountain in Durban, witnessed an electrifying showdown of talent as Unjoko and Menzi emerged as the victors of their respective groups. This year’s festival, marked by fierce competition and enthusiastic fan participation, showcased the vibrant diversity and rich cultural heritage of South African maskandi music.
The event featured two groups, Group A and Group B, each boasting a lineup of top-tier maskandi artists. Fans played a pivotal role in determining the winners by voting for their favorite artists through ticket purchases, with the names of their preferred performers written on them.
In Group A, Unjoko faced formidable contenders including Bahubhe, Gatsheni (renowned for his chart-topping track “Hit after Hit”), Thwasa Lekhansela, Amageza Amahle, and Amavikelambuso. Despite stiff competition, Unjoko secured victory with an impressive 404 votes, surpassing the minimum threshold of 400 votes set for the group. However, controversy ensued when Thwasa Lekhansela, with a total of 292 votes, claimed victory. Organizers swiftly addressed the issue, presenting evidence of the voting process and reaffirming Unjoko as the rightful winner of Group A.
Meanwhile, in Group B, Menzi emerged triumphant against competitors such as Luve Dubazane and Mlabalaba, clinching victory with his exceptional talent and widespread appeal.
The prize distribution reflected the organizers’ commitment to rewarding excellence, with the winner of Group A receiving a generous sum of R100,000, while the victor of Group B was awarded R50,000. This differential in prize money underscored the emphasis placed on achieving a higher threshold of votes in Group A, highlighting the fierce competition within the category.
Ngelo V, one of the event organizers, clarified the criteria for victory, emphasizing the importance of meeting the minimum vote requirement. Even if an artist ranked highest in votes but fell short of the stipulated benchmark, they would not be crowned the winner, ensuring fairness and integrity in the competition.
The Khuphuka Nezakho 2024 Maskandi Music Festival not only celebrated the talent and creativity of South African maskandi artists but also served as a platform for showcasing the genre’s enduring popularity and cultural significance. With Unjoko and Menzi emerging as the champions of their respective groups, the festival left an indelible mark on the music scene, inspiring audiences and artists alike with its captivating performances and spirited competition.
