Afro-pop artist releases first Maskandi song, Okweqanda
Johannesburg may have its own Maskandi sound, but Pinky 1st Lady believes the genre hits differently at its roots in Durban – and that’s where she went to record her first Maskandi project.
If you are used to hearing Maskandi on the streets of Johannesburg, particularly in areas such as Diepsloot and Riverside View, Pinky Khotsholo, known by her stage name ‘Pinky 1st Lady’, says there is another side of the genre worth hearing.
The Afro-pop artist returned to Durban to record her first Maskandi project, aiming to connect with the sound and traditions of the genre’s roots. Her new song, Okweqanda, is the first taste of her upcoming EP and marks her first time recording Maskandi.
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Pinky said her love for music and curiosity about traditional sounds led her to explore the genre. “I’ve always been driven by a love for music. As an Afro-pop artist, I love exploring different sounds, especially traditional music. Maskandi is growing so beautifully right now and I wanted to be part of that growth.”
Although she comes from an Afro-pop background, Pinky said the move into Maskandi did not feel completely unfamiliar. “The two genres are quite similar in storytelling and emotion, so it felt natural.”
Where she recorded the music, however, was just as important to her. Pinky chose to record Okweqanda in Durban rather than Johannesburg, because, according to her, KwaZulu-Natal is the home of Maskandi. She feels the experience of the genre there is different from what listeners may encounter in Johannesburg. “The scene here is more rooted and traditional, while Joburg feels more commercial and fast-paced.”
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That return to the roots also allowed her to draw inspiration from women who have made their mark in Maskandi. Among the artists she looks up to are Londeka Shangase, Ushuni WaseMzini, Thandeka and the Zulu Queens, and Bonakele. However, Okweqanda is not only about experimenting with a new sound. The title refers to being treated delicately, like an egg, and Pinky hopes the song will encourage people to show more care and love towards one another.
With gender-based violence continuing to affect communities across South Africa, she said the message is particularly important for couples. “Everyone deserves to be handled with love.”
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