South African Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose, popularly known as King Khuba, brought high-energy traditional music to Bulawayo on Saturday, 5 September 2026, as the headline act of the entertainment programme linked to the annual King Mzilikazi Day commemorations.
A day of cultural commemoration
The visit formed part of a major cultural gathering organised by the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association. The day began with a colourful traditional procession through Bulawayo streets, starting in Matshobana Township and passing landmarks including the Joshua Nkomo statue before the main proceedings at eMhlahlandlela on the outskirts of the city.
Thousands of people, traditional leaders, government officials, amabutho, cultural groups and visitors from neighbouring countries gathered to honour the founder of the Ndebele nation on the 158th anniversary of his death.
Arrival of the South African stars
Khuzani arrived in Bulawayo on Friday with his band Amaginda Ngoma. He was joined by fellow South African guests from the popular series Shaka iLembe – actors Dawn Thandeka King (Mkabayi) and Nompilo Mbatha (Mzilikazi) – adding a contemporary cultural bridge between Zulu and Ndebele heritage.
The Maskandi performance
Once the formal commemorations concluded, attention shifted to the Maskandi festival. Khuzani took the stage at 18:00 at the Hangout, KwaBulawayo Athletic Club. Videos circulating online show him delivering a full performance and inviting local Zimbabwean artists, including references to “iBliss lase Zimbabwe,” to share the stage. Local Maskandi and traditional acts such as Zinjaziyamluma, Umfoka Jele, Jamela, Inkunzi yeBraman, Black Umfolosi and others were also billed to perform.
Mixed reactions before the show
The appearance was not without pre-event tension. When Khuzani first announced the show in late August, a section of social media users openly discouraged his visit. Others, however, welcomed him warmly, pointing to the strong following Maskandi enjoys in Bulawayo and the Matabeleland provinces. Paying audiences turned out, and the performance proceeded as planned.
Shared heritage across the Limpopo
For many fans the night underscored the deep cultural connections across the Limpopo. Khuzani's presence on a day dedicated to King Mzilikazi – who himself left Zululand to establish a new kingdom – resonated as a living expression of shared Nguni history rather than a simple cross-border concert.
The successful outing adds another chapter to Maskandi's growing regional footprint and reaffirms Khuzani's status as one of the genre's most sought-after live performers beyond South Africa's borders.