THE POWER OF MUSIC & BROTHERHOOD

The merging of powerhouse artists Sjava and Big Zula has given rise to a new era of creativity forming Inkabi Zezwe, an even more formidable force in the world of music

- Luthando Vikilahle

MUSIC HAS THE POWER

TO TRANSCEND GENERATIONS, CULTURES, AND, TO A GREATER EXTENT, RELIGION.

At home, I am the person who plays different sounds nearly every day, influenced by a variety of factors, including my profession.

In 1999, one of my cousins introduced me to Zibokwakhe Johnstone Mnyandu, popularly known as Phuzekhemisi, Bheki Ngcobo, the renowned ihashe Elimhlophe, and the late Mpatheni Khumalo, uMfazi Omnyama. At the time, they embodied Maskandi, which many today describe as alternative music. The trio went on to form a group called Izingqungqulu Zomhlaba, which translates to the world's greatest, and indeed they were, continuing to influence culture in various aspects.

My favorite song from the group is their most popular track, 'Bantu Base Africa, a clarion call for Africans to unite and respect each other. This song holds greater importance in today's world as we grapple with issues such as xenophobia, cultural, sexual identity, and political intolerance.

Fast forward to the present day, years later, Jabulani Hadebe, also known as Sjava, and his friend Siyabonga Nene, aka Big Zulu, reminded me of my childhood. Their genre-blending music has had a profound influence on me, possibly because they remain true to themselves, their people, and the influencers from their upbringing.