Limpopo-born international reggae star Colbert Mukwevho will celebrate his 47th birthday and three decades in the music industry in style by recording a live DVD and CD.

The celebrations will take place at one of Gauteng’s premiere arts venues, The Bassline in Newtown. It takes place tomorrow (Saturday) from 19:00 and ends in the early hours of the following day.

Mukwevho, of Harley and the Rasta Family fame, rubbed shoulders with the country’s best during his formative years in Sello “Chicco” Twala and the late Brenda Fassie, with whom he recorded.

Mukwevho has released numerous successful albums so far, and Mulovha Namusi na Matshelo has become like a national anthem in several parts of the country.

Of the event, Mukwevho says it is humbling and befitting to celebrate his birthday and his years in the music industry at a venue well known for excellence in the arts. "To us, music is a calling. It is a way of life and a platform for us to convey the message to the masses. When we look back, we are heartened that, despite the odds and the difficult conditions we worked in, we have been able to touch many lives through music and we will continue doing so as long as God wishes.”

He hailed the support he received over many years. “We would not have reached this far if it were not for the never-ending support from our loyal fans and we do not have words enough to say thank you,“ he said.

Mukwevho, like all the artists in the country, is not immune from piracy. His music has been pirated on a large scale and he said it has affected him financially and artistically. "Piracy has become a demon in the music industry and is ripping the industry apart. Many good musicians have left the trade for other careers, and many artists are discouraged to unleash their full potential and creativity, because they just know they will get nothing out of their labour,” he added.

His manager, Mr Fortune Muambadzi, said preparations are in the final stages. "We chose the Bassline to show that Colbert belongs to the whole country. We are also happy that the venue boasts the best sound. We have organised transport for the residents of Limpopo," he said.

Those wishing to attend the event can contact Mudau at 073 873 7460 or Tshivhase at 073 944 7243 for transport arrangements.