Americans have recently discovered South African gospel music, particularly that of Amazayoni, and are going wild over it. This newfound appreciation has led to a surge in interest in traditional music, particularly Maskandi, among the younger generation, with Gen Z leading the charge.
According to recent data released by music streaming platform Spotify, there has been a significant resurgence in Maskandi music over the past two years. Maskandi music is a traditional isiZulu folk music genre that incorporates Western influences like electronic beats while still maintaining its core elements of guitar riffs and concertina sounds.
Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed pride in supporting a new era of Maskandi artists and fans who are redefining what it means to be proudly Zulu in the global music landscape. The genre has seen a transformation in recent years, with Gen Z artists blending traditional Maskandi sounds with Amapiano, gospel, and hip-hop influences.
The Bhinca Nation playlist on Spotify has become the go-to destination for contemporary Maskandi music, experiencing a growth of over 3,000% since 2022 and averaging over 2 million streams per month. This playlist features a mix of traditional and modern Maskandi tracks that appeal to a younger audience.
While Maskandi music has traditionally been consumed by an older generation, recent hits like Mroza’s “Van Damme” and Mthandeni SK and Lwah Ndlunkulu’s “Paris” have garnered national attention beyond KwaZulu-Natal. Artists like Sminofu have seen a significant increase in listeners on Spotify, with Umafikizolo experiencing a 897% surge in streams after being included in the Bhinca Nation playlist.
In addition to the growing popularity of Maskandi music, Americans have also shown a strong interest in South African gospel music, particularly that of Amazayoni. Amazayoni music is associated with a religious sect of one of South Africa’s largest traditional Christian churches. The style of worship and singing found within the church is often referred to as Amazayoni music.
Videos posted on platforms like TikTok show Americans expressing their deep connection to South African gospel music, with some users describing it as touching their spirits. The soulful and spiritual nature of Amazayoni music has resonated with a diverse audience, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
Overall, the newfound interest in South African music, both traditional Maskandi and gospel music, reflects a growing appreciation for diverse musical styles and cultural expressions. As these genres continue to gain international recognition, artists from South Africa are finding new audiences and opportunities to share their unique sounds with the world.
