Veteran maskandi musician Phuzekhemisi, known for his outspoken lyrics, has once again found himself at odds with Ukhozi FM after the radio station rejected his latest song, "Ipolitiki."
The 61-year-old artist, whose real name is Zibokwakhe Mnyandu, refuses to be silenced, releasing the uncensored version despite the rejection. The song, a scathing critique of the alleged role of white South Africans in black unemployment, has ignited a debate about freedom of expression and censorship in the South African music industry.
Phuzekhemisi, from KwaDumisa on the KZN South Coast, explained that Ukhozi FM's music committee requested he remove the sections criticising white South Africans. While he complied and created an edited version for radio play, he insists the original, unedited "Ipolitiki" reflects the reality he sees and the concerns of many South Africans.
"Ukhozi FM has rejected many of my songs, but this time I decided to rework the song as they recommended, and the edited version will be out. The work of a musician is not to sugar-coat what's happening but to tell the story as it is. It doesn’t matter whether the song plays on the radio or not," he stated.
This isn't the first time Phuzekhemisi's music has clashed with authorities. In the early 2000s, he faced criticism from then-KZN Premier Lionel Mtshali for his song "Amakhansela," which was also rejected by Ukhozi FM.
His long and storied career, spanning 36 years, has been marked by a consistent willingness to tackle sensitive issues head-on. His 1991 hit, "Imbizo," already demonstrated his willingness to challenge authority, directly criticising traditional leaders who demanded payment for land.
Phuzekhemisi maintains his commitment to using his music as a platform for social commentary, regardless of the consequences.
"I sing about what's happening around me without fear or favour," he told Daily Sun.
He emphatically stated his intention to continue releasing songs that challenge what he perceives as injustice, showing no remorse for his outspoken approach.
"I won't stop releasing songs that criticise what I believe is wrong, and I'm not apologetic about that," he declared.
The SABC, Ukhozi FM's parent company, confirmed the song's rejection through their Manager for Media Relations, Mmoni Seapolelo.
"The SABC can confirm that the song has not been play-listed on Ukhozi FM. This is based on the station’s music policy, and the reasons have been clearly communicated to Phuzekhemisi’s management team," Seapolelo stated.
She added, "Unfortunately, the SABC will not engage artists through the media on issues of music listing, as there is a process in place and direct access for artists to engage the station."
The release of "Ipolitiki" and Ukhozi FM's subsequent rejection have sparked a wider conversation about artistic freedom and the role of media in shaping public discourse.
Phuzekhemisi's unwavering commitment to his artistic vision, even in the face of censorship, presents a powerful statement about the importance of giving voice to often-unheard perspectives. His decision to release both the edited and unedited versions of his song allows listeners to make their own judgments, highlighting the complexities of balancing artistic expression with broadcasting regulations.
