WATCH: Proud Zulu man shares his rich heritage
He encouraged every African tribe to be well-versed about their heritage as this defines who they are and where they are going
As fellow countrymen continue to celebrate their roots this Heritage Month, the Northsider found it suiting to celebrate one of the first tribes to set foot on this beautiful soil, the Zulu nation.
The Zulu nation or AmaZulu as they are known are one of the biggest tribes in Southern Africa, and they also form a great part of the Nguni clan.
This ethnic group of an estimated 10 to 12 million people living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal are famous for being led by the fierce King Shaka Zulu, who ruled the Zulu kingdom in ancient history.
The bravery and stature of Shaka Zulu and general culture of this Kingdom are still carried out proudly by its members in modern-day life through music, art and story-telling.
Taking us through this deep history is awarding-winning Zulu traditional musician or Maskandi artist, Khulekani Mchunu from Zandspruit, Honeydew, who embraces his culture through the art of music.
The Nongoma-born (in northern KZN), also known as Mnyovu in the music industry, enlightened the Northsider readers about the importance of celebrating our heritage and what it means to be a Zulu man.
“Heritage Month is very important to us as Zulu people because we pride ourselves in our culture and background. We take so much pride in our heritage because it reminds us of the cultural practices that were performed before our time that we need to value and keep alive for future generations,” he explained.
When asked about what defines a Zulu man, Mchunu described his kind as very neat and self-loving people. “We are a tribe that is neat and appealing to the eye,” he said.
He also clarified the rumour that Zulu people can be arrogant and blow their own trumpet at times by saying that not everyone is like that, especially he. “Not all Zulu people are arrogant. I am a perfect example. I’m always humble and respectful to everyone, even the community can attest to this. Sometimes people mistake the pride of a Zulu man with arrogance,” he laughed.
However, he encouraged every African tribe to be well-versed about their heritage as this defines who they are and where they are going.
Mchunu tries to keep his culture alive through his music. In 2013, he found himself in the music space and his passion drove him to release his debut album called Mbali in 2015. Two years later, he went on to release his second album Okhehla Mfana which won him an accolade for best collaboration at the OPMA Awards in KZN.
Mchunu, who also runs a production company called Ezomnyovu Entertainment, cried over the impact of Covid-19 which he said has ruined his life and plans for the year.
“As artists, we are deeply affected by the impact of Covid-19. Every year I hosted a cultural day event to celebrate who we are, but this year it won’t be taking place because of the Covid-19 regulations,” he lamented.
He also appealed to government to relax the regulations a bit for artists in order to host events and in turn put food on the table.
