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Qadasi’s isiZulu Maskandi music captivates London

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Qadasi and Maqhinga Radebe (Supplied)
Qadasi and Maqhinga Radebe (Supplied)

Durban - Performing in full Zulu traditional regalia, David "Qadasi" Jenkins ably captured a 20 000 strong audience with his mesmerizing and highly energetic performance at the The Bear Grylls Festival - Trent Park in London, United Kingdom.

On a mission to take the powerful sounds of traditional Zulu Maskandi music to the world, Qadasi will not let his colour or English-Scottish-Welsh roots deter him. Sharing the stage with close friend and fellow award winning Maskandi musician, Maqhinga Radebe, their creation of international caliber music encapsulated the spirit South African togetherness of the rainbow nation.

The performance was part of the SA Season in the UK, a segment of the SA-UK Season 2014 & 2015. The initiative is the cultural exchange collaboration of South Africa’s Department of Arts and Culture and the United Kingdom’s British Council created as a channel to further strengthen cultural ties between South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The SA-UK Seasons commenced in January 2014 and has seen at least 40 South African projects in the Arts and Culture sector showcase and promote South African dance, film, music, art, theatre and visual art expertise in the United Kingdom.

Tamara Fitzgerald the Bear Grylls Survival Race - Festival Manager remarked, "What a joy to host Qadasi (David Jenkins) on the Aquacai Rainforest Stage at the launch of the inaugural Bear Grylls Survival Race and Festival. We would like to thank SA Seasons in the UK for transporting South Africa's rich culture and heritage through Qadasi's enchanting music to our event".

(Photos:Qadasi Facebook)

Qadasi's performance fulfills one of the objections of the SA-UK Season to promote the growth and sustainability of the arts and culture sector including a strong emphasis on audience development, economic growth and market access.

"Although Londoners have witnessed several African acts, the sound of Maskandi music has a distinct sound unique to South Africa. My music is a cross of traditional Zulu and Western folk music, something extraordinary. I managed to secure significant contacts for a possible tour in the UK in the near future, a long life dream in my career finally coming to fruition", Qadasi stated.

The SA-UK Seasons concludes in December 2015 and further selected projects will continue to benefit from the program.

Watch Qadasi - Ngikufisela Inhlanhla below:


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