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Fusing music and healing

Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

Popular Durban kwaito star- turned-traditional healer Mbuso "Mafenswa" Makhathini has a new calling.

On Friday he launched his first 11-track maskandi album, entitled Ngifuna ukunganwa, which loosely translates as - I want to get married.

The launch at Stable Theatre in Durban was attended by the who's who in the media and entertainment industry, including radio personalities from Ukhozi FM and Igagasi FM.

Makhathini made headlines a few years ago when he dropped music to follow his calling as traditional healer.

The former teacher, professional boxer and kwaito star has a new name to go with his new album, 3 cent Ohlangene.

The launch of the album came with a stern warning that he will deal harshly with "parasites" who copy his music.

"I will look for them and punish them. I see no reason to steal our music because it's cheap," he said.

Makhathini said he never lost touch with music when he opted to follow his calling as a traditional healer.

"I have been doing many things but music is part of my life. There is no conflict of interest between healing practice and maskandi," he said.

Makhathini said his journey back to the music genre is not a money-making scheme but to pursue his talent.

On the CD, recorded at K.Kap studios in KwaMashu, north of Durban, Makhathini collaborates with Msonyo Mthethwa.

Makhathini was generous at his launch and filled the pockets of three lucky guests with R500 cash each. He also gave away 10 hampers of his own brand of herbal bath soap and body cream.

Thandeka Dimba Zulu of DT Entertainment said she spotted Makhathini's talent at a traditional event.

"He was dancing and singing traditional music and I was so surprised because I knew him as a healer. We decided there and then to pursue his talent in maskandi music," she said.

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