Hailing from the heart of Zululand, Qadasi and Maqhinga are a South African Music Award-winning duo on a mission to revive and celebrate the powerful sounds of traditional Maskandi music. Both highly accomplished artists in their own right, their shared vision and unique synergy have produced a world-class fusion that resonates with audiences locally and internationally — a sound deeply rooted in the heritage of South African folk and Zulu culture.
David “Qadasi” Jenkins is a Maskandi guitarist, concertina player, and vocalist whose love for traditional Zulu music was sparked in his youth while traveling through Zululand with his late father who was a journalist. This early exposure developed into a profound passion for the culture and its music.
After matriculating in 2010, Qadasi released his debut studio album under Sande Entertainment, a label headed by Sibongiseni Shabalala of the five-time Grammy Award-winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His second album, released in 2014, earned nominations for both a South African Music Award (SAMA) and a South African Traditional Music Award (SATMA). In 2015, he was honoured with a KwaZulu-Natal Young Achievers Award for promoting social cohesion through Maskandi music.
Maqhinga Radebe launched his career in the mid-1990s when he toured the United States with Ladysmith Black Mambazo as part of the stage production Nomathemba. Upon returning to South Africa, he co-founded the popular group Shabalala Rhythm with Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala, quickly gaining national recognition for his exceptional musical talent. A respected figure in the Maskandi genre, Maqhinga has released five solo albums and received numerous accolades, including SAMA and SATMA nominations. His global performances include collaborations with iconic artists such as Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, and Soul Brothers.
The two musicians first met in Durban in 2010 when David approached Maqhinga for assistance tuning a concertina. A spontaneous jam session followed — the start of a strong musical partnership and friendship. Maqhinga became the musical director and producer for Qadasi’s early projects, and the pair soon realised the creative power of combining their skills and cultural perspectives.
Since officially joining forces, Qadasi and Maqhinga have toured extensively across South Africa and internationally, captivating audiences in the UK, Europe, and Asia. Their debut collaborative album Lashis’ Ilanga (2016) was nominated for a 2017 SAMA Award for Best Traditional Album. In December 2019, they released Ungabanaki, their second joint project, featuring their full band. The album won a 2020 SAMA Award for Best Traditional Album and earned a nomination for Best Duo of the Year. Their most recent release, Asibonge (2023), continues their legacy of musical excellence.
In addition to preserving and promoting traditional Zulu music and culture, Qadasi and Maqhinga are passionate about social impact. They serve as rhino conservation ambassadors, working closely with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation and Project Rhino to raise awareness and support for wildlife conservation.
As torchbearers of Maskandi music, Qadasi and Maqhinga stand tall among the genre’s modern-day custodians. With a growing global following and a strong commitment to cultural preservation, there is great anticipation for what lies ahead on their musical journey.
Website: www.qadasimusic.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/qadasimusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/david_qadasi/
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