Mohalenyane Phakela
SOUTH African Kwaito exponent, Mandoza, is set to rock Mohale’s Hoek on 28 November 2015 in a show meant to revive the popularity of the genre.
Dubbed Kwaito Back2Back, the concert will be held at Difa Grounds with the Nkalakatha hitmaker sharing the stage with the local contingent of DJ Detail, Razordasoul, Bamboo, ZagroDJs, Bhogzela and Black Ink. SA’s OhZa and Sabzero are also lined up to perform at the show.
According to the show’s organiser, Solomon Lefoka of Solo Promotions, the event was meant to revive the followership of the genre. Kwaito is a variant of house music and African sounds. It emerged in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 1990s.
“Kwaito music is a genre that defines the experiences of both South African and Basotho youth. It is the genre that a lot of young people grew up listening to, but nowadays people who love the music are not being catered for,” he said.
“From time to time, you will see people going into a frenzy when a Kwaito track is played at a festival or any event, which shows how much the genre is still loved and appreciated.”
Lefoka said people in the townships and villages could relate to the messages relayed in Kwaito music, while also being entertained.
“I grew up listening to the genre and it is still my music of choice. Mandoza is one of the artists who stimulated my loyalty to the genre,” he said.
“I think he still has the pulling power to revive the Kwaito love in the country. I also intend to hold a Kwaito festival on an annual basis and invite various legendary Kwaito artists.”
Born Mduduzi Tshabalala, Mandoza rose to prominence as part of Kwaito group Chiskop in the late nineties. His 2000 multi-platinum album, Nkalakatha established him as a force to reckon with in the South African music industry by hitting the top of the charts on both traditionally black and white radio station.
