Based: Durban

Madala Kunene is one of South Africa’s most revered guitarists, singers and songwriters, celebrated for a distinctive style often described as Zulu blues or indigenous blues. Born in Durban and deeply rooted in Zulu musical traditions, he has spent decades shaping a sound that blends maskandi, folk, blues and jazz influences into something unmistakably his own.

Affectionately known as Bafo, Kunene began performing from a young age and became known for busking on Durban’s beachfront before building a long and respected career in South African music. Across that career he has worked as both a solo artist and collaborator, with a catalogue that includes landmark albums such as Konko Man, and he has been recognised as a major influence on generations of South African musicians.

More recent coverage shows that Madala Kunene remains an active and culturally significant artist, with collaborations including the 2025 MTN Bushfire CollaboNation project alongside Sibusile Xaba and Tlale Makhene. That continued presence reinforces his standing not only as a legacy act, but as a living force in South African music.

With a live sound that is earthy, soulful and unmistakably rooted in KwaZulu-Natal, Madala Kunene is especially well suited to festivals, concert programmes, heritage events and premium curated functions looking for an artist of real depth, originality and cultural importance.