MASKANDI superstar Khuzani Mpungose has done it again.
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The Nkandla-born music sensation has added another prestigious international award to his growing collection, proving that maskandi music belongs on the world stage.
The 36-year-old Jola Naye hitmaker was honoured with the Cultural Icon in Maskandi Music Award at the Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards & Diplomatic Summit held at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom on Monday, 7 September.
Khuzani shared the stage with other international achievers from countries including Spain and Australia.
The Nelson Mandela Leadership Awards recognise individuals making a meaningful impact in their countries and communities across different fields.
BREAKING BARRIERS
Khuzani continues to shatter stereotypes and take maskandi beyond Mzansi’s rural areas and men’s hostels, where the genre had previously been confined.
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Later in 2025, he made history by becoming the first maskandi artist to scoop two major international awards – Best Independent Artist (African) and Best Male (African) – at the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards) in California, US.
Since launching his career in 2011, Khuzani has bagged more than 20 top awards in Mzansi, including the Samas, Satmas and thee Metro FM Music Awards.
HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL
Speaking about his latest achievement, an elated Khuzani said he was over the moon.
“For my contribution to maskandi music to receive international recognition, and for the work we continue doing taking our music, heritage and culture to greater heights, is a very special moment for me,” he said.
“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who has continuously supported my music and my journey. Every person who buys my music, streams it, shares it, attends my performances and continues to believe in maskandi has contributed to this achievement.”
Khuzani said he was grateful that his hard work and the beauty of maskandi and Zulu culture have been recognised internationally in the UK.
“This award doesn’t belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone who has supported me and helped me carry maskandi music to the world,” he said.
