ENJOY some Maskandi Folk Fusion with Qadasi (aka David Jenkins) and Maqhinga Radebe at The Still Sessions, at the Distillery031 in Durban on Wednesday, May 4 and at Seaman’s Corner in Hammarsdale on Saturday, May 28.

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

At  The Still Sessions Qadasi and Maqhinga will be performing as a duo; while at Seaman’s Corner in Hammarsdale Qadasi will be performing with Maqhinga alongside a full band set-up: Qadasi on vocals, guitar and concertina, Maqhinga Radebe on guitar and vocals, Sandile Dlamini on bass guitar, Malungi Msomi on keyboard and Gcina Khumalo on drums.

In addition to the public performance Qadasi and his band will performing at Phezulu High School in Hammarsdale on May 13.

Qadasi is an accomplished Maskandi musician who developed a deep passion for Zulu culture and music at a young age growing up in Empangeni, right in the heart of Zululand.

Now based in Durban, he is following his dream of being a professional Maskandi musician and is proud to be a SAMA (South African Music Award) and two-time SATMA (South African Traditional Music Achievement) Award nominee.

With the release of his latest album titled, Uhambo Olusha (A New Journey), Qadasi’s quest to revive traditional Zulu Maskandi music is well underway.

Over the past couple of years, Qadasi has accomplished a great deal as a South African artist, with some of his achievements including opening as the support act for Maskandi legend, Johnny Clegg, performances in the United States, Ireland, Thailand and the United Kingdom, and a performance at the 2015 SAMA Awards live show.

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

Well-travelled, he has performed to audiences in several countries, including Zimbabwe, England and the USA and throughout Southern Africa, sharing stages with top artists such as Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Phuzekhemisi and Soul Brothers, to name a few. He is presently most well known for his key role as the guitarist in popular Maskandi group, Shabalala Rhythm.

The two men met in Durban in early 2010. After a ‘jam session’, they became firm friends, with Maqhinga taking the role of music director and producer of Qadasi’s first solo projects. The talented musicians later decided to join forces after realising the musical potential that was possible by combining their artistry.

The Still Sessions is a monthly music and dining experience brought to you by Distillery031 and iSupport Music Business. Distillery031 is Durban’s first craft distillery and home to an intimate cocktail bar and dining area.

British-trained chefs Jordan and Net Semple server gourmet street food prepared with locally sourced ingredients to accompany the distillery’s range of signature cocktails.

The performance at Seaman’s Corner is supported by Concerts SA and the eThekwini Municipality and hosted by iSupport Music Business. Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian initiative that aims to stimulate live music in South Africa by finding and implementing ways to create regular, sustainable performance platforms.

It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.

NEED TO KNOW

Wednesday, May 4: The Still Sessions featuring Qadasi & Maqhinga; Distillery031, 1st Floor The Foundry, 43 Station Drive. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets R70 at http://www.webtickets.co.za and at Pick ‘n Pay.

Saturday, May 28: Qadasi with full band featuring Maqhinga at Seaman’s Corner, Hammarsdale Mpumalanga, Unit 3. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets R30 at the door.