By Lebone Rodah Mosima
eThekwini Municipality will host the Women in Maskandi Festival auditions this weekend, providing young women with a platform to showcase their talent in a genre that has historically been male-dominated.
The Municipality said on Thursday that the auditions would take place on Saturday, 22 August, and Sunday, 23 August, from 09h00 to 16h00, at the Stables Theatre in Durban.
“The auditions are open to female Maskandi musicians and singers, as well as amagidangoma and omasigida, aged between 18 and 35,” the Municipality said.
“Performances will be adjudicated by a panel of respected names in the genre – Phuzekhemisi, Dr Buselaphi, Talent Mbatha, and Zimdollar – who will be looking for musical talent, originality, dance, stage presence, and potential for growth.”
Dr Buselaphi, a veteran Maskandi musician who has worked in the industry for more than three decades, told Inside Politics that the auditions will consider women’s backgrounds in Maskandi and what will be expected of them.
She said women trying to enter the genre often struggle with a lack of confidence, limited recognition and few opportunities to develop their stage presence.
“Women are not given many opportunities in this industry to work and make something of themselves.”
“Many women today are single parents, with most aged between 18 and 35, yet opportunities for them to support themselves and their families are limited,” she said.
She called on the municipality to prioritise women in Maskandi and to host festivals dedicated to women.
She said that women often depend on men for events to take place. “It shouldn’t be that way because [women] face so much adversity,” she said.
“I always encourage women, and I will encourage those who come to audition, to keep producing Maskandi music and not treat it as a hobby but as a business,” she said.
“They must be capable of generating income to support their loved ones and children, just as I do with the little money I earn from my music.”
She urged the municipality to establish a database for women in Maskandi to gain recognition at prominent awards, saying that female Maskandi artists have been overlooked while genres like jazz and gospel are front and centre.
“We would like the government to consider us as women and to hold an event specifically for women so that we can recognise and support each other,” she said.
The Municipality said that Maskandi music continues to play a vital role in storytelling, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
The Municipality said it aims to boost women’s participation in the genre, creating pathways for emerging female musicians to develop their skills, gain exposure, and access opportunities within the entertainment industry.
“Women with a passion for Maskandi are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their voices, musical abilities, and creativity,” the Municipality said.
“Those attending are welcome to bring their own musical instruments to accompany their performances and demonstrate their individual style.”
Prospective participants can contact Noma Mzimela on 031 322 0050 or email noma.mzimela@durban.gov.za for further information.
