There is a huge treat in store for music-lovers, with an all-star line-up at this month’s Jim Beam Welcome Sessions.
Fans can join the musical journey at The Vern in Howick on September 3, where they can catch multi-instrumentalist Red Robyn and the maskandi sounds of Qadasi & Maghinga, both of whom we caught up with ahead of the show.
Qadasi & Maqhinga
Hailing originally from Empangeni in the heart of Zululand, Qadasi & Maqhinga are on a quest to revive the powerful sounds of traditional Maskandi music. With four South African Music Award nominations, their fusion of traditional Zulu and western folk music is successfully making its way onto local and international music scenes.
Now seasoned Durbanites, the duo omprises David ‘Qadasi’ Jenkins (30) – an accomplished Maskandi vocalist, guitarist, concertina and banjo player – who developed a deep passion for Zulu culture and music at a young age, and Maqhinga Radebe (58) who launched his music career in the mid 90’s after touring the USA with Ladysmith Black Mambazo as part of their stage play, Nomathemba.
“We met in 2010 at a studio in Durban and had a short jam session. We both immediately clicked and became firm friends.”
Maqhinga’s first biggest influence was Maskandi giant Thwalofu Khoza – an amazing guitar player and songwriter. He was also deeply moved by Isicathamiya music and has always been a fan of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. As for Qadasi, he found inspiration from the Maskandi genre and the likes of Phuzekhemisi, Mfaz Omnyama, Mgqashiyo Ndlovu and Johnny Clegg – true ambassadors of traditional Maskandi styles, he says.
Maqhinga became Qadasi’s mentor and the producer of his first solo album. They then started performing together as an acoustic duo and for the past 10 years, they’ve brought their organic sound to a wide variety of audiences.
“We love being able to share our love for traditional music with the public, and it is always a pleasure seeing our audiences respond positively to our performances.”
When it comes to Durban, they love that it offers a little bit of everything.
“It’s a very diverse part of the country with a vast range of people, cultures, food and landscapes and we are especially excited to be doing our first Jim Beam Welcome Session here. We really appreciate the brand’s mission to support local musicians and venues, and we look forward to sharing the stage with Red Robyn, an act from a totally different genre of music.”
Apart from catching them at The Vern in Howick on September 3, you can find Qadasi & Maqhinga at the The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market on September 10 at 9.30am and at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre Market on September 11 at 9.30am.
Details: follow them on FB: @qadasimusic and IG: @david_qadasi
Red Robyn
Morningside’s Ashleigh Robyn (27) found her feet on stage at her first Oppikoppi Festival in 2018. The multi-instrumentalist singer, songwriter and actress, first attracted the attention of Red Bull Studios in Cape Town the year before, with her Soundcloud projects called People Talk, Kick It and Taekwon. She won the Afropunk Johanessburg Battle of the bands in 2018 and has performed alongside international acts including Thundercat, The Internet and Flying Lotus. In 2019, Robyn released her debut single ‘Dust and Iron’.
“I wrote my first song when I was five and I don’t remember where I learnt about writing songs, it’s always been a part of me. I loved singing in the church choir and in school productions. I think music has always been a part of my journey and my story. Living in a city like we do, with its warm weather, chilled beachy vibe, cute coffee shops that you can find hidden in each suburb and rolling green hills that are not far from my house, there’s so much to find inspiration in these days.”
Some of Robyn’s biggest influences in the music world include Lianne La Havas – Robyn sang all of her songs at University for her practical exams.
“I also loved Norah Jones, Katie Melua and JoJo growing up. I was always attracted to unique vocalists and interesting lyrics, something all three of these musicians have in common.”
As a singer-songwriter who plays guitar and a little bit of piano, Robyn says her sound is always changing.
“I have made music that fits into a variety of genres from pop to alternative and even deep house. I think the main way my music feeds the soul is through the melody and lyrics. I am a very spiritual person and I believe that music has the power to heal and connect people in ways we do not fully understand.”
Robyn sees performing as part of her purpose on this earth.
“I feel alive and full. I love seeing people enjoying themselves and finding meaning in music. I want to bring hope to audiences. This is my mantra. I’m very excited to be playing alongside such great artists at the Jim Beam Welcome Sessions. I love being a part of a unique line-up that pairs me with an artist I wouldn’t usually play a show with. It gives local artists a platform that we haven’t had for a long time and it’s great to see the live scene being reinvigorated. It’s going to be a treat and I hope to see you all there!”
Details: follow her on FB: @redrobynmusic and IG: @redrobynmusic
Event details
Doors open at The Vern at 6pm. Red Robyn opens the stage at 8pm followed by Qadasi & Maqhinga at 9pm. Tickets start from R50 and are available at quicket.co.za
