Sandani inspired to help up-and-coming artists

As a young man, Sam Kanakana Sandani (47) dreamt of being a big star, only to find out that the music industry was a difficult and challenging field of choice.

This he realised while recording in Johannesburg where he was forced to sleep on cardboard boxes, newspapers and plastic. He told himself there and then that he would do something to improve conditions for artists, for them not to find themselves where he was at that point.

He is now helping local and outside musicians to mould their careers. He coaches young and aspiring artists and helps them with recording.

Born in a musical family at Ha-Nesengani in the Vuwani area, for Sam Sandani it was just logical that the music bug would bite him. His late father and businessman Vho Calvin Maambelanduni Sandani was a guitarist of note who played with his two brothers, Empson and Phandamulongo.

It was natural that the young Sam would sneak into the house and snatch his father’s guitar and strum it while the father was running his businesses. His love of music developed and he told himself that he would one day have his own band and build a studio that would help up-and-coming musicians.

Today, Sandani (47), of Maniini K Portion in Thohoyandou, works for the Department of Education and is living his dream. He has accumulated musical instruments one by one and assembled a studio at his house.

The humble studio started in 2002, but has attracted big names in the music industry such as Tshivhangwaho na Dzhatsha, Afropop singer Vinny Nange and many other famous artists. Presently, well-known musician Alpheus Mukhese (Target Fire) is working at the studio. They are busy with the final touches on Mukhese’s forthcoming album.

Sandani has also acquired the services of much-sought-after producer and engineer Eric Nemathaga, who is now a resident producer/engineer at the studio. “We are living our dream. We have assisted many artists here who would otherwise not have had the chance to record. Studio rates are very high in Joburg, which makes many talented artists lose hope. We have been sent here and many are now able to come here, even on foot, and go back home after doing recordings. They are now realizing their dreams, and this makes me very happy,” added Sandani.

He also has an album, Africa My Home, and has played for famous groups like Elfas and Simba, The Storm and The Pedestrians. His long-term plans include owning a record label that will look after the interests of many disadvantaged artists.

“We are nearly there and the gates are opening up. Bit by bit we are acquiring the latest equipment and the quality produced here is second to none,” he said.

Resident producer and master engineer Eric Nemathaga, who was doing the final touches on Mukhese’s new album, said they were fast becoming the basket of African music. “Watch this space. I can tell you, before long we will be competing with the big recording companies. Our dream is to develop as many local artists as possible,” he said

Those in need of assistance can phone him at 076 134 7762.

Entertainment - Date: 26 June 2014

Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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