BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI – Eswatini cultural artist Sancheziey says his upcoming performance at the Maskandi Fest African Tour is about more than sharing a stage with some of South Africa’s biggest Maskandi stars. It is an opportunity to showcase Swati culture and build relationships that could open doors for the Salukazana brand beyond Eswatini.
Sancheziey is set to perform alongside celebrated Maskandi artists Khuzani, Ntencane and Shwi noMtekhala during the festival on 15 August.
While acknowledging the significance of performing alongside some of the genre’s biggest names, the artist said he is particularly looking forward to connecting with fellow performer Shenge and exploring opportunities for future collaborations.
“For this event, I’m more interested in collaborating with artists like Shenge. I am looking into representing emaSwati as the Zulus will be coming with their cultural flair through Maskandi music,” he said.
Sancheziey believes a collaboration with established South African Maskandi artists such as Khuzani or Shenge could help introduce the Salukazana brand to audiences in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
“I believe my music can work in South Africa, especially in KwaZulu-Natal Province and Mpumalanga, and a collaboration like this is a shortcut to the hearts of emaZulu,” he said.
The performance will come just 10 days after the release of his highly anticipated album, uMntfwana weLive, giving fans an opportunity to experience the new project live for the first time.
According to the artist, the performance will celebrate the beauty of Swati culture while giving emaSwati a chance to enjoy the new album on stage.
He has encouraged fans to stream the album before the festival to ensure they are familiar with the songs, expressing his hope for a memorable sing-along performance.
“We pray for a sing-along session with them as we tell our Swati culture to the South African artists and music industry personnel,” he said.
Ahead of the festival, Sancheziey has called on emaSwati to attend in large numbers and proudly celebrate their heritage.
“I’d love to invite all emaSwati to come in numbers because we are going there for them. We need their screams, cheers and, most importantly, we want them to dance culturally as we sing, because nakukhona tsine utawuva ngengoma,” he said.
With a new album on the way and ambitions of expanding into the South African market, Sancheziey’s appearance at the Maskandi Fest African Tour is set to be another important milestone in his growing career.
(Courtesy Pic)
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