With this definitive style of “digital maskandi,” musician and artist Mashayabhuqe KaMamba burst onto the mainstream scene a little over a year ago, to critical acclaim and a new crop of dedicated, hungry fans, desperate to hear his unique blend of traditional African music infused with electronic beats.

Binwe Adebayo chatted to him about his upcoming concert, the Black Excellence Show and the magic of the Mashayabhuqe brand.

So what’s the idea behind the Black Excellence Show?

It’s a mini “supersized” concert brought to you by Mashayabhuqe KaMamba. This is the beginning, but the vision is bigger. We want to grow into a massive concert with a bigger venue and radical stage designs. 

How did the idea come about?

It’s been something I’ve been longing to do, after watching Kanye West live at The Dome. My friend Legend and I were losing our minds – like I was literally crying. It was so surreal, to see my hero live. It was awesome seeing how much of a perfectionist he is on stage, and how daring and unconventional he is. I thought to myself, I can actually do whatever I put my mind to. At the time, I was working on my EP (The Black excellence Show) and I promised myself that one day this would turn into a concert.

What are you most excited about?

I’m excited to see every kid that has been rocking with me since 2013 gathered in one room. I’m excited to be part of something that represents a group of people who are so often looked down upon but who hold so many rich and exciting aspects. Black culture is one that doesn’t only breed genius youth or liberated-minds who are uncaring, but where principles are of paramount importance. We’re not one-dimensional and we’d fight till the whole nation understands that no society norms or prejudices will ever chain us. I’m most excited about the night’s performances, the energy is going to be A.1, I swear.

How does this fit into the big picture for Mashayabhuqe?Blaque_Mashayabhuqe

It’s a full package, I feel like I waited far too long to do this. The Mashayabhuqe brand has opened up questions from black kids, like “Who we are?”, “What is South African youth doing?”, “Where do they see themselves in the next 15 years?”,  “Where is our pride?”. So I believe The Black Excellence Show encompasses all these elements but also tries to push the envelope, and bridge the gap between old folks and the “digital kids”. I hope it creates room for a new generation; like kids that never heard of Busi Mhlongo or Zwelibi Zulu. This is anyone who’s just trying to be part of something really amazing.

What are you expecting from the crowd?

More sweating, more screaming, more noise. The energy should be A.1. More camera phones in the air and fewer people by the bar. 

Blaque_TBESLHow is this show different from others?

What’s crazy is that I can see myself in each and everyone who love and cares about this craft. So the show is more like a family reunion for the digital kids.

Who were your inspirations for the show?

  • Kanye West (Live in JHB, The Dome & Late Orchestration: Live at Abbey Road Studios)
  • Thandiswa Mazwai (Dance Of The Forgotten, Live in Concert)
  • Black Atlass (Live at Hot Dog)

Who are you working with to make it happen?

I work with people that have same interests in art as me, so besides my team, it’s this collective called (ONYX) and my friends from the Kalashnikov Gallery. I have asked some of my close friends to come showcase their work too. You’ll  be serenaded by the likes of Uncle Stan (who I personally think will cause a lot of damage in the game). And also, my Boyzn Bucks family will be there.

 

Anything else you want the digital kids to know?

The Black Excellence Show is for you and yours. They’ve been saying your music is weird, they’ve been turning down your singles because they aren’t “radio friendly”. This show is for you. They’ve been dropping you for what appears to be more “mainstream”. The Black Excellence Show is for the people who love and appreciate art, futuristic sounds and rare aesthetics.  If you’re joining us, forget what you’ve seen before. Just come and have a good time with us. Parents are invited too. 

 


 

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