Maskandi Auditions

In celebration of Women’s Month, eThekwini Municipality will host the Women in Maskandi Festival Auditions this weekend at the Stable Theatre in Durban, giving women a platform to break into a genre that has historically been male dominated.

The auditions take place on Saturday, 22 August and Sunday, 23 August 2026 from 09h00 to 16h00 at the Stable Theatre, 115 Johannes Nkosi Street, Durban. Hosted by the Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate, the auditions are open to female Maskandi musicians and singers, as well as amagidangoma and omasigida, aged between 18 and 35.

Performances will be adjudicated by a panel of respected names in the genre – Phuzekhemisi, Dr Buselaphi, Talent Mbatha and Zimdollar – who will be looking for musical talent, originality, dance, stage presence and potential for growth.

Maskandi music continues to play an important role in telling stories, preserving traditions and giving communities a powerful voice. Through this initiative, the Municipality seeks to encourage greater participation by women in the genre, and to create pathways for emerging female musicians to develop their skills, gain exposure and access further opportunities within the entertainment industry.

Women with a passion for Maskandi are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their voices, musical abilities and creativity. Those attending are welcome to bring their own musical instruments to accompany their performances and demonstrate their individual style.

The initiative forms part of eThekwini Municipality’s Women’s Month activities, which seek to celebrate women’s achievements, promote gender inclusion and create platforms that empower women to participate meaningfully in the cultural and creative economy.

Prospective participants can contact Noma Mzimela on 031 322 0050 or email noma.mzimela@durban.gov.za for further information.