The spirit of Qadasi

While strolling through The Market at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre over the weekend, shoppers are often greeted by local musicians entertaining the crowds with their live music.

One particular duo stands out among the crowd with their proudly South African tunes that tug on the heartstrings.

Hailing from Empangeni in the heart of Zululand, Qadasi and Maqhinga are an acoustic duo on a quest to revive the powerful sounds of traditional Maskandi music.

Both professional musicians in their own right, joining forces has resulted in an international calibre of music which represents the heart and soul of South African roots music.

David Jenkins, also known as Qadasi, is an accomplished Maskandi guitarist, concertina and banjo player who developed a deep passion for Zulu culture and music at a young age.

“My late father was a journalist with the Mercury and I used to go into rural areas with him when he was covering events and doing stories,” said Jenkins.

“I fell in love with the Zulu culture and a big part of that culture is music.”

After matriculating in 2010 he released his first studio album under record label, Sande Entertainment headed by Sibongiseni Shabalala of four-time Grammy Award winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

His second album, released in 2014, has since been nominated for a SAMA (South African Music Award) and SATMA (South African Traditional Music Award). He also recently received a KZN Young Achievers Award for ‘social cohesion through Maskandi.’

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Maqhinga Radebe began his career as a Maskandi musician in the mid 80’s and has received numerous awards for his amazing musical skills, which also include SAMA and SATMA award nominations.

David first met Maqhinga in Durban in early 2010 when enquiring about a concertina tuner. After a ‘jam session’, thus began their story and the two have become firm friends.

They have travelled home and abroad with their eclectic fusion, taking it to audiences in the UK, Europe, Asia, and throughout South Africa, and are thrilled to have released their long-awaited collaborative album titled, “Lashis’ Ilanga”, which was nominated for a 2017 SAMA for Best Traditional Album.

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