Traditional music legends combine forces for the Amantshontsho Kamaskandi Awards ceremony
Amabhenanyawo is made up of Phuzekhemisi, Mbuzeni Mkhize, Ithwasa Lekhansela, Bahubhe, Mkhanyiselwa, Ichwane Lebhaca and Nyonemhlophe.
Earlier this year, after an electrifying performance at the Amantshontsho Kamaskandi Awards ceremony held at the Durban International Convention Centre, they were asked by their fans to record an album.
Seven maskandi heavyweights have formed a group called Amabhenanyawo.
The group has released an album, Akhuphula Umkhomazi.
Mbuzeni told SunBuzz: “Amantshontsho Kamaskandi Awards founder Mlamuli Nxele asked us to perform songs together and compete against maskandi musicians from the KZN North Coast.
“When our fans asked us to record an album, it dawned on us that we could have done that a long time ago.”
Mbuzeni said the group wanted to encourage maskandi artists to respect each other, instead of being envious.
“We have a lot of respect for Phuzekhemisi, our living musical ancestor,” he said.
“We are pleading with other maskandi artists to be good role models by working together and by putting an end to the violence.”
Phuzekhemisi thanked his fellow group members for agreeing to work together.
He said: “Music is a good thing to enjoy. Maskandi musicians should stop using their songs to attack each other.