Based: Durban

David Jenkins, also known as Qadasi,  meaning ‘white person’ in isiZulu, is an accomplished Maskandi musician who developed a deep passion for Zulu culture and music at a young age, growing up in Empangeni, right in the heart of Zululand.

Now based in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, David is following his dream of being a professional Maskandi musician and is proud to be a two-time SATMA (South African Traditional Music Achievement) Award nominee.

With the release of his latest album titled, Uhambo Olusha (A New Journey), Qadasi’s quest to revive traditional Zulu Maskandi music is well underway.

Over the past couple of years, Qadasi has accomplished a great deal as a South African artist, with some of his achievements including opening as the support act for white Maskandi legend, Johnny Clegg, an appearance at the FNB Stadium for the first annual Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day, a brief tour in Ireland, and performances alongside Ladysmith Black Mambazo in ‘Amambazo – The Musical’.

Qadasi is presently under the independent label, Sande Entertainment, headed by Sibongiseni Shabalala, a member of four-time Grammy Award winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

His latest album, Uhambo Olusha, is the end result of the sounds David has been developing over the years and was nominated for Best Maskandi Album in the 2014 SATMA Awards. It encapsulates influences from many of his idols, ranging from the likes of Phuzekhemisi and Mfaz’ Omnyama to Johnny Clegg and Paul Simon. The record was self-produced along with co-producers, Mthandeni Mvelase, a highly respected name in the traditional music industry, as well as Maskandi extraordinaire, Maqhinga Radebe, who is also a very close friend and mentor of David’s, and a member of the Qadasi band.

There is much excitement in the promise of what lies ahead for this Maskandi artist who is continuing in the footsteps of this powerful genre’s icons.

 

Noteworthy Performances/Achievements

2011 – Release of debut album, Child of Africa

2011 – Child of Africa nominated for South African Traditional Music Award for Best Upcoming Artist

2011 – South African Food and Wine Festival, Virginia, USA

2011 – Madiba Restaurant, New York City, USA

2012 – SA State President’s Christmas party in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal

2013 – SA State President’s Annual NEC Speech, Kings Park Stadium, KwaZulu Natal

2013 – “South Africa Week” in Dublin & Limerick, Ireland

2013 – Support Act for Johnny Clegg, Old Mutual Concert, KwaZulu Natal

2013 – World Transplant Games Cultural Evening, KwaZulu Natal

2013 – Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

2013 – Amambazo – The Musical with Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Cast as Paul Simon, PlayhouseDurban

2014 – Release of second album, Uhambo Olusha

2014 – Amambazo – The Musical with Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Cast as Paul Simon, State Theatre Pretoria

2014 – Support Act for Oliver Mtukudzi, Caversham Mill, KwaZulu Natal

2014 – Rhino Ambassador for the “Rhino Art – Africa” Project and the “World Youth Rhino Summit”

2014 – Uhambo Olusha nominated for South African Traditional Music Award for Best Maskandi Album