Phuzekhemisi

Phuzekhemisi (real name Zibokwakhe Johnstone Mnyandu) is an iconic South African singer, composer, and guitarist, widely acclaimed as the King of the indigenous Maskandi genre. Born in 1963 on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, his stage name, which translates to “Drink the Medicine” or “Drink at the Chemist,” symbolizes his music’s role as a potent remedy for the social and political struggles of his community.

Phuzekhemisi’s music is the quintessential Maskandi sound: an intricate blend of traditional Zulu rhythms, narrative storytelling, and fast-paced acoustic guitar work. He gained initial fame in the late 1980s with his brother Khethani as the duo Phuzekhemisi No Khethani. Their debut album, Imbizo (1992), became a phenomenon, selling over 100,000 units and achieving double-platinum status despite being controversial and briefly banned by the SABC for its outspoken critique of local taxes and traditional authority.

Following his brother’s passing in 1993, Phuzekhemisi established himself as a dominant solo artist. His career is defined by his courageous role as the “people’s voice,” with his lyrics boldly addressing volatile issues such as political violence, social corruption, and land rights.

A winner of the inaugural SAMA Award for Best Traditional Performance (with Khethani), Phuzekhemisi is celebrated for bringing authentic Maskandi to a mainstream and international audience while fiercely maintaining his commitment to his traditional Zulu roots.

Music Genre:

Maskandi  | Traditional Zulu Folk | Indigenous Africa

Instruments: Multi-Instrumentalist