Maskandi singer Mbuzeni Mkhize set for a collaboration with Rihanna
South Africa artist Mbuzeni Mkhize may have conceded to Sgwebo Sentambo in the Best Maskandi Album category at this year’s South African Music Awards, but the singer will be taking his music to a worldwide audience following his collaboration with Rihanna.
Local media reported that Mkhize had caught Rihanna’s attention after performing his rendition of her hit track Diamonds in Istanbul in April last year.
Afterward, Mkhize reported that he got a call from the team of the American-based pop star that she wanted to do a song with him after he had remixed her 2012 hit track Diamonds.
The globetrotter maskandi star, who hails from Mkomazi, southeast of KwaZulu-Natal, said he was ecstatic when he was contacted by Rihanna’s team and this invite is something that will take the maskandi music to its biggest level in the international arena.
“This is a big achievement for South Africa and for maskandi as a whole,” said Mkhize.
“Rihanna could have contacted any person to work with her. But she selected me out of hundreds of maskandi artists. For that, I am humbled and honored. I thank my ancestors for this gift.”
Mkhize, who has recorded eight albums since he started his career, has performed in cities such as New Delhi in India, Beijing in China and Moscow in Russia, among other countries.
Before heading to the US for Rihanna’s recording, Mkhize will stop at the French capital, Paris to entertain his fans.
Other South African artistes such as chart-topping and globetrotting rapper Kwesta and DJ Black Coffee have had collaborations with top US artistes including Alicia Keys, and rappers Rick Ross and Wale.
Mkhize further told local news that he would be writing a love song and be in the studio with the Barbados-born singer in December to work on their song.
