PHUZEKHEMISI


The enormously talented Phuzekhemisi's lyrics are infused with commentary and political outspokenness over issues that plague his fellow KwaZulu Natal dwellers. He is one of the very few musicians from KwaZulu Natal to draw attention to the battles facing those living in the largely under feudal system of tribal chieftainship and hostel leadership.

Phuzekhemisi is a singer, guitarist and dancer. He released his first album Imbizo, with his brother Khetani and it sold over 100 000 copies. Although their music was isiZulu, their appeal was wide spread. The title track, also Imbizo, became a feature at street bashes and music festivals but tribal chiefs and hostel leaders took offense to being criticized in the song. Their second release, Emaphalamende, featured the popular track Udlayedwa, which also offended tribal and hostel leaders. In 1993, soon after the release of the album, Khetani was killed in a car accident.

Phuzekhemisi took a long pause before he released the hugely successful albums Impimpi, Ngo 49, Izwa Alithuthuki, Phansi Imikhonto and his latest Izinhlangano. Izinhlangano is in the same vein as his previous albums, it comments on social issues, the title track being a plea for political organisations to unite. Phuzekhemisi has worked with fellow maskanda stars Hash'limhlope
and Mfaz'Omnyama to release the album Sxaxa Mbitji, a project closely
linked to road safety issues and sparked by one of his hit songs that criticised provincial traffic officers. He has won over audiences in France, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden and Finland.