In an unprecedented achievement, KwaZulu-Natal-born singer-songwriter Khuzani has made history with his new album, “Angidlali Nezingane.”

This album has become the first Maskandi album to reach the No. 1 spot on the Apple Music All Genre Album Chart in South Africa.

This remarkable milestone is not just a personal triumph for Khuzani but also a significant cultural breakthrough for the Maskandi genre, which has often struggled for recognition in an industry dominated by global influences.

A Dream Come True for Khuzani

Khuzani expressed his overwhelming gratitude upon hearing the news.

He stated, “I’m absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude. Seeing my album top the Apple charts is a dream come true.”

He emphasized the hard work and dedication that went into creating this album, saying, “We poured our hearts, souls, and countless hours into creating something special.”

The artist acknowledged the support of his fans, team, and collaborators, attributing his success to their unwavering encouragement.

A Celebration of Maskandi Music

The end of November saw a notable rise in the popularity of Maskandi music, with three albums making it into the Top 10 of the Apple Music album charts.

Alongside Khuzani’s “Angidlali Nezingane,” Mthandeni SK’s “Impisi Iyalaya” and Inkos’yamagcokama’s “Silent Treatment” also gained recognition.

This surge in popularity illustrates a growing appreciation for the genre, which has been steadily gaining traction year-on-year on music streaming platforms.

The Impact of Streaming Platforms

According to a statement from Apple Music, the increasing visibility of Maskandi music on their platform reflects a broader cultural shift.

The streaming service has recognized the vibrant genre by creating a dedicated Maskandi category page.

This page showcases expertly curated selections, including the latest albums and singles, artist essentials playlists, and classic albums from musical icons like Shwi no Mtekhala, Phuzekhemisi, and Mfaz’Omnyama.

This initiative not only highlights the richness of Maskandi music but also provides a platform for emerging artists to reach a wider audience.

Khuzani’s Vision for the Future

In his heartfelt message, Khuzani shared his vision for the future of Maskandi music.

“To Apple Music for providing a platform to share our music with the world, we’re honoured to be part of this community.

This milestone is not just a triumph for us, but for everyone who believes in the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift,” he stated.

Khuzani’s words resonate with many artists in the genre, as they strive to push boundaries and elevate Maskandi music to new heights.

The Rise of Other Maskandi Artists

Khuzani is not alone in his success.

Other artists like Mzukulu, Limit Nala, Menzi Music, Sminofu, Saliwa, Falabo, UNjoko, and Ntencane have also made their mark by entering the South African Top 20 All Genre Album Chart over the past year.

This collective success signifies a vibrant and thriving Maskandi music scene, with artists coming together to celebrate their cultural heritage through music.

A New Era for Maskandi Music

Khuzani’s achievement with “Angidlali Nezingane” marks the beginning of a new era for Maskandi music in South Africa.

As more artists gain recognition and platforms like Apple Music continue to support the genre, the future looks bright for Maskandi.

This milestone not only celebrates Khuzani’s hard work but also paves the way for future generations of artists to share their stories and cultural heritage through music.

With the support of fans and the music community, Maskandi music is poised to take its rightful place in the South African music landscape.