MASKANDI maestro, Phuzekhemisi, has proved once again that he is a versatile musician. This is when he collaborated with kwaito singer Waya, 77.

MASKANDI maestro, Phuzekhemisi, has proved once again that he is a versatile musician. This is when he collaborated with kwaito singer Waya, 77.

Born Zibokwakhe Mnyandu, Phuzekhemisi, pictured, has played a big role in bringing traditional Zulu music to the urban setting. His latest endeavour with Waya, also known as Mlungisi Mbele, showed that he is more than a maskandi singer.

The collaboration song, called Ubuhle, is on Waya's debut album that is set to hit the market next month.

"I do not have a problem working with other musicians. What counts is that the music is local. I have worked with various musicians before because it helps me to grow and also to understand their music," he said.

Mbele said: "Collaborating with a maskandi singer was my way of trying to be different. Since many people believe that kwaito is dead, I decided to fuse it with maskandi - a sound that has a wider audience."

The young singer from Umlazi in Durban said he chose Phuzekhemisi for a number of reasons.

"I chose to work with him because he lives in Durban and I did not have to travel. He is a very humble person and a good listener too. Working with him was very exciting," Mbele said.

Phuzekhemisi has previously collaborated with Professor and Tizozo, Trevor Payne - the Barbados-born singer - Nkunzemdaka, Bheki Ngcobo, Nothembi Mkhwebana and Mphatheni Khumalo.