KwaZulu-Natal maskandi storyteller Umfoka Msezane gathers Londeka Shangase and Limit for a new record titled “Bafana.” The word means “boys” in isiZulu, so the song speaks straight to the young men.
Few genres lecture the guys quite like maskandi does. Fathers, uncles and old friends have used these songs to talk about pride, work and staying out of trouble. So the title feels like a warning and a hug at the same time.
The guitar does most of the talking here. Quick picking runs over a steady bass line, and dry drums tap out a walking pace. Since nothing sounds polished to death, the whole thing feels recorded in somebody’s yard.
Umfoka speaks as much as he sings, and his gravel gives every line some weight. He sounds like a man who has seen plenty and wants the boys to listen. His guitar answers him between phrases, like a second voice agreeing.
Londeka Shangase then brings a calm, clear tone that softens the room. Limit follows with a rougher bark, though he never fights the melody. The lyrics lean on brotherhood and loyalty, and the looping chorus lets anyone join in.
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