The Eastern Cape department of sport, recreation, arts & culture has officially renamed the annual Eastern Cape Maskandi Music Festival in honour of the late radio legend and traditional music champion, Saba Mbixane.
Now titled the Saba Mbixane Maskandi Festival, the rebranded event pays tribute to the revered broadcaster’s decades-long dedication to the preservation and promotion of Maskandi music.
Mbixane, who passed away on February 26 2015 at the age of 54, was known for his distinctive voice, encyclopedic musical knowledge, and tireless advocacy for indigenous music on SA radio.
Department spokesperson Zolani Siramza said the renaming followed a pronouncement by MEC Sibulele Ngongo during this year’s festival.
“Mbixane was a giant in traditional music broadcasting. His work helped define the genre for listeners across the country and cemented his legacy as a pioneer of Maskandi,” Siramza said.
Mbixane’s broadcasting career began in the early 1980s with Radio Transkei, and he later became a household name on Umhlobo Wenene FM. Over 29 years, he helped elevate Maskandi music to national prominence, earning multiple accolades for his contributions.
“In recognition of his immense influence, the department resolved to rename the festival, which is hosted annually in KwaBhaca in the Umzimvubu Municipality,” Siramza said.
“This renaming will not only preserve his legacy but elevate the status of the festival at national and international level.”
He said the rebranding is expected to draw greater attention to the development of Maskandi music, and will be supported through partnerships with local municipalities and Umhlobo Wenene FM.
“Public participation was facilitated through consultations with the Umzimvubu local municipality and the Mbixane family, who gave their full support to the proposal,” he said.
Mbixane’s widow, Nomonde Mbixane, said the family was deeply moved by the gesture.
“We had started to feel as though his legacy was being forgotten. This has reignited his name and the passion he had for traditional music. We are proud and grateful.”
The couple were married for nearly four decades and raised four children in KwaBhaca.
“Saba lived and breathed traditional music. I met him while he was already in love with Maskandi — and that love influenced our entire household. Our children still listen to the genre.”
Nomonde said the family was not seeking compensation. “This recognition is more than enough. They have returned Saba’s legacy to its roots.”
During his career, Mbixane won 19 awards, including six SA Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs) for best DJ and four for best traditional music show — making him the most decorated individual since the awards’ inception in 2008.
Siramza said the Alfred Nzo Cultural History Museum will feature a dedicated exhibit on Mbixane as part of its heritage collection, and that the festival’s branding will now prominently bear his name.
“The festival focuses on emerging and semi-professional artists in the province, providing a critical platform for talent development. As Saba would have wanted, the festival will continue to incubate new talent and allow upcoming artists to perform alongside national names,” Siramza said.
Maskandi artist Philani “Maphilangozenzela” Mkhanywa welcomed the announcement, saying: “I wish this had happened while Saba was still alive, so he could see how appreciated he truly was. He helped many musicians who were struggling — including me.”
Mkhanywa also praised Ngongo for acknowledging the value of traditional music.
“This recognition gives us hope. It’s promising to observe that the genre is being taken seriously and that artists such as Saba are remembered for their contribution.”
With a new name, a renewed vision, and a firm grounding in cultural heritage, the Saba Mbixane Maskandi Festival is poised to continue shaping the Maskandi music landscape for generations to come.
Daily Dispatch
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