After disappearing from the music scene for more than 10 years, one of the oldest and most respected Venda traditional music veterans, Adziambei Band, has released a powerful album which has already sold more than 50 000 copies in two months.

The band received a hero’s welcome when they recently received the Calvary Community Empowerment Award from the Calvary Christian Church International in Lwamondo, outside Thohoyandou.

The Community Empowerment Award is aimed at unearthing the forgotten heroes in different fields of life. The main objective is to revive and install hope in those who, through selfless service, had transformed or empowered human life in one way or another. Among those who have received honorary awards in the past are Deputy President Kgalema Mothlante, Min Collins Chabane, Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, Dingaan Thobela, Ntambi Ravele (sports personalities), media guru Mathatha Tsedu, military veteran General Gabriel Ramushawana and actor Joe Mafela.

Adziambei Band was founded in 1982 by Maele Sirwali at the rural, mountainous village of Guyuni. He was later joined by his elder brother, Tshivhangwaho Raedani, as well as Johannes Kwinda and Sarah Masindi. They released their first album, Midzimu ya madimoni, in 1983. After releasing several successful albums, the band parted ways some time later, until they reunited late last year.

Their reunification led to the release of their massive album, Shango lo takala. Their hit song, Nwana o ngalangala, is like a national anthem as it is played everywhere, including at parties, in taxis and all over the towns of Limpopo and parts of Gauteng. The song is receiving massive airplay and it is so famous that even little children recite it with ease. Other famous songs on the album include Mbuyavhuhadzi, Ndi lilela muya and Mazioni.

One of the band members, Tshivhangwaho Raedani, says they are happy that people still love their music, despite such a long break. “We are very thankful for the award and this will inject more courage for us to work hard in promoting Tshivenda traditional music.” He says he hopes their latest release will put something on their tables although they still remain poor after falling prey to record companies throughout their 30-year music journey.