By Rorisang Modiba
- Khuzani is nominated for Best Independent Artist and Best Male Artist but says he’s funding the entire trip himself.
- The Maskandi singer says South Africans overlook his music, while fans abroad treat it as true art and culture.
Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose says he will pay for his own trip to the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards in Los Angeles next month.
The 35-year-old Ijele hitmaker is nominated in two categories: Best Independent Artist (African) and Best Male Artist (African). But despite representing South Africa on an international stage, he says he has received no financial help from government or sponsors.
Khuzani told Sunday World that while he is proud to showcase Maskandi to the world, it hurts that his country does not give him the same support.
“Abroad, people hear Maskandi and call it art. At home, it’s still treated like background music,” he said.
He added that fans in Nigeria, Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States show more love and respect for the traditional genre than South Africans do.
Khuzani said it is painful that artists promoting local culture get less help than sports stars. “I pour my life into this music, creating opportunities and festivals. Yet it feels like our country only claps after the world has started clapping,” he said.
Even so, he plans to travel to Los Angeles with pride – paying for his flights, accommodation and preparations out of his own pocket.
“Maskandi is the heartbeat of our people,” he said. “It deserves more recognition as a living art form.”
Pictured above: Khuzani Mpungose.
Image source: @Khuzani Mpungose
