Maskandi star rewrites Mzansi’s music history

MASKANDI star Mthandeni “Mthandeni SK” Manqele makes history and breaks boundaries in the Mzansi music industry.

The Paris and Gucci hitmaker from eMdletsheni, north of KZN, has become the first-ever maskandi musician to win Record of the Year at the South African Music Awards (Samas), 30 years after the awards began.

The 30th annual awards were held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Saturday, 2 November.

Mthandeni’s hit Paris, featuring Lwah Ndlunkulu, won the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year, as voted by the public.

Various genres, except maskandi, have won this major award from 1995 to 2023.

Mthandeni has now rewritten Mzansi’s music history.

RiSA communications manager Lesley Mofokeng confirmed to Daily Sun that Mthandeni was the first maskandi musician to win Record of the Year at the Samas.

“The win for the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year at #SAMA30 of Paris by Mthandeni SK featuring Lwah Ndlunkulu was a historic moment for maskandi. This was the first maskandi artist to win this prestigious public-voted award.

“We, at RiSA and the Samas, congratulate Mthandeni SK. He joins a pantheon of great Mzansi musicians who’ve received this coveted honour. The people have spoken, the fans have voted, and Mthandeni SK has etched his name in the history book of South African music,” he said.

Lesley said that they invite music lovers to stream the #SAMA30 playlist of songs that have won this award over the past 30 years, available on Spotify.

Mthandeni told Daily Sun that while winning the biggest award and rewriting music history was significant, during the awards ceremony he aimed to win the Best Maskandi Album award, previously won by his role model, Mgqumeni “Ibhova” Khumalo, but unfortunately Best Maskandi album, scooped by Gatsheni.

“Scooping this award and rewriting Mzansi music history reminded me that I’m a history maker, and my role models are Jesus Christ and Zulu nation founder, King Shaka.

“Now, I’m an international musician. I’m eyeing BET and Grammy awards. I pray to God to continue to bless me so I can remain on this maskandi throne and continue to entertain people,” he said.

Mthandeni said he has learnt that when God blesses him, he should not limit himself in his music career.

“I’ve released two international songs, Gucci featuring Mawhoo and Ishephisi Ejezini, featuring Nomcebo Zikode.

“On 30 November, I’ll release a pure maskandi album to cater to my real maskandi fans,” he said.

Here is the list of Sama Record of the Year from 1995 to 2023, confirmed by Risa: 

• 1995 – Mmalo We by Bayete

• 1996 – Umkhaya Lo by Bayete

• 1997 – Untold Story by Sibongile Khumalo

• 1998 – Oyi Oyi by Arthur

• 1999 – Vulindlela by Brenda Fassie

• 2000 – Nomakanjani by Brenda Fassie

• 2001 – Nkalakatha by Mandoza

• 2002 – Godoba by Mandoza

• 2003 – S’Guqa Ngamadolo by Mzekezeke

• 2004 – Akekh’ uGogo by Mzekezeke + Vulindlela by Brenda Fassie (Song of the Decade)

• 2005 – Don’t Cry by Zola featuring Thembisile

• 2006 – Dali Wami by Ntando

• 2007 – Remember When It Rained by DJ Sbu

• 2008 – Maputo Song by DJ Sdunkero

• 2009 – 2 by 2 by Rhythmic Elements

• 2010 – Umlilo by Big Nuz featuring DJ Tira

• 2011 – Imoto by Professor

• 2012 – These Streets by Mi Casa

• 2013 – Kulungile Baba by Sifiso Ncwane

• 2014 – Khona by Mafikizolo

• 2015 – Caracara by K.O featuring Kid X

• 2016 – Roll Up by Emtee

• 2017 – Hell Naw by Nasty C

• 2018 – Omunye by Distruction Boyz

• 2019 – Deeper by Holly Rey

• 2020 – Ibhanoyi by Blaq Diamond

• 2021 – Keep It Together by Matthew Mole

• 2022 – Vula Mlomo by Musa Keys featuring Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi

• 2023 – Stimela by 2Point1 featuring Ntate Stunna and Nthabi Sings