A South African maskandi duo, Shwi noMtekhala (Shwi and Mtekhala)have been able to attain multi-platinum status on their album, Wangisiza Baba, in a genre that was seemingly fading from the foreground. This marks the first time a traditional act has sold over 500,000 records, and African DJs are quick to give credit where credit is due. One Sowetan radio DJ writes, “Maskandi duo Shwi and Mtekhala’s music is an explosion of sound and rhythm, punctuated with lyrics and melodies that go to the core of our being, celebrating and reminding us of our roots. No wonder they’ve emerged as the class act of 2005.”

Shwi is the lead singer and guitarist, and Mtekhala is his backup singer. They are a young, fresh act out of Johannesburg, where they live in a hostel. Listeners enjoy his nasal singing voice and the way he glides onto and off of notes—qualities that experienced Maskanda listeners appreciate.


See videos of them on youtube.com!
Ukuhlupheka
Imali
Wangisiza Baba
Mabhungu