Hailing from the heart of Zululand, Qadasi and Maqhinga are a South African Music Award-winning duo on a mission to revive and celebrate the powerful sounds of traditional Maskandi music. Both highly accomplished artists in their own right, their shared vision and unique synergy have produced a world-class fusion that resonates with audiences locally and internationally — a sound deeply rooted in the heritage of South African folk and Zulu culture.
David “Qadasi” Jenkins is a Maskandi guitarist, concertina player, and vocalist whose love for traditional Zulu music was sparked in his youth while traveling through Zululand with his late father who was a journalist. This early exposure developed into a profound passion for the culture and its music.
After matriculating in 2010, Qadasi released his debut studio album under Sande Entertainment, a label headed by Sibongiseni Shabalala of the five-time Grammy Award-winning group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His second album, released in 2014, earned nominations for both a South African Music Award (SAMA) and a South African Traditional Music Award (SATMA). In 2015, he was honoured with a KwaZulu-Natal Young Achievers Award for promoting social cohesion through Maskandi music.
Maqhinga Radebe launched his career in the mid-1990s when he toured the United States with Ladysmith Black Mambazo as part of the stage production Nomathemba. Upon returning to South Africa, he co-founded the popular group Shabalala Rhythm with Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala, quickly gaining national recognition for his exceptional musical talent. A respected figure in the Maskandi genre, Maqhinga has released five solo albums and received numerous accolades, including SAMA and SATMA nominations. His global performances include collaborations with iconic artists such as Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, and Soul Brothers.
The two musicians first met in Durban in 2010 when David approached Maqhinga for assistance tuning a concertina. A spontaneous jam session followed — the start of a strong musical partnership and friendship. Maqhinga became the musical director and producer for Qadasi’s early projects, and the pair soon realised the creative power of combining their skills and cultural perspectives.
Since officially joining forces, Qadasi and Maqhinga have toured extensively across South Africa and internationally, captivating audiences in the UK, Europe, and Asia. Their debut collaborative album Lashis’ Ilanga (2016) was nominated for a 2017 SAMA Award for Best Traditional Album. In December 2019, they released Ungabanaki, their second joint project, featuring their full band. The album won a 2020 SAMA Award for Best Traditional Album and earned a nomination for Best Duo of the Year. Their most recent release, Asibonge (2023), continues their legacy of musical excellence.
In addition to preserving and promoting traditional Zulu music and culture, Qadasi and Maqhinga are passionate about social impact. They serve as rhino conservation ambassadors, working closely with the Kingsley Holgate Foundation and Project Rhino to raise awareness and support for wildlife conservation.
As torchbearers of Maskandi music, Qadasi and Maqhinga stand tall among the genre’s modern-day custodians. With a growing global following and a strong commitment to cultural preservation, there is great anticipation for what lies ahead on their musical journey.
Qadasi & Maqhinga
Timeline – Noteworthy Performances/Achievements
2013 – Performance at “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
2014 – Support Act for Oliver Mtukudzi, Caversham Mill, KwaZulu Natal
2014 – Rhino Ambassadors for the “Rhino Art – Africa” Project and the “World Youth Rhino Summit”
2015 – Performance at the ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ South African Ball in Bangkok, Thailand.
2015 – Performance at the Bear Grylls Survival Race Festival in London, United Kingdom.
2016 – Performances for SA Embassies in Vietnam & Thailand and SA Consulate in India as part of SA Freedom Day celebrations.
2016 – Release of collaborative acoustic album, Lashis’ Ilanga.
2016 – Collaboration and performance with Danish vocal group, Baobab Sisters.
2017 – Album, Lashis’ Ilanga nominated for South African Music Award for Best Traditional Album.
2017 – Album, Lashis’ Ilanga nominated for South African Traditional Music Award (SATMA) for Best Male Group.
2017 – Invited to perform at the annual Ferrara Buskers Festival in Italy.
2017 – Performance with the Baobab Sisters (Denmark) at 2017 SATMA Awards Ceremony in Mafikeng.
2018 – Performance at South African Embassy in Berlin, Germany as part of Freedom Day Celebrations
2018 – Performance at annual Hamburg Port Festival in Germany.
2018 – Performances alongside Baobab Sisters in Denmark.
2018 – Support Act for Mango Groove at Marriot Ballito Beats Concert, KwaZulu Natal
2018 – Tours in Ireland and Thailand
2019 – Collaboration with world-renowned Bluegrass Banjo player, Tony Trischka (USA)
2019 – Tour in Germany – 11 Towns.
2020 – Album, Ungabanaki wins South African Music Award for Best Traditional Album.
2022 – European Tour – Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Belgium.
2022 – Performance in Birmingham, UK at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
2023 – European Tour – Germany, Ireland and UK.
2023 – Release of new album, Asibonge.
2024 – European Tour – Germany, Ireland and UK.
2024 – Co-hosted music workshops with Grammy Award-Winning American Blues Artist, Keb’ Mo’.
