Years of hard work and unwavering commitment have finally paid dividends for a resident of Mukula Thondoni village, Mbangiseni Mphaga, or Mbangi as he is known in music circles.

His debut album, Brigert ni wanga, was recorded at Mphagani Studio over a period of 12 months. The  first song was recorded last January and the album released three weeks ago. There are seven songs on the album, with songs like Khonani yanga, Shangoni zwithu zwi a konda and the title track, Brigert ni wanga, receiving the most attention from music lovers.

Mbangi’s love of music dates back to the days when he was still a primary school boy. He said he used to sit next to his late father as he played his guitar. After losing his father in 1976, Mbangi consoled himself by playing a home-made box guitar. It was in 1982 when he formed a group, the Mukula Strangers Boys. The group recorded a number of songs at the now-defunct Radio Thohoyandou's studios.

When the group ceased to exist, Mbangi formed another group, the Mukula Band. The group recorded several gospel and Venda disco songs at Radio Thohoyandou's Studios. Just like the Mukula Strangers Boys, the Mukula Band died a natural death in the late eighties.

Mbangi then went solo, but when he realized that he was not mature enough to stand on his own, he befriended well-known artists. According to him, Zozo and Tshigomboza did not only teach him the art of playing various music instruments, but they also shared their knowledge relating  to sound engineering, mastering and sound mixing with him.

Mbangi ‘s wife, Brigert, and his two sons, Uavhona and Philelo, who are known as the Mphagani Sounds, can also be heard on the album. Mbangi stated that his music was dedicated to all age groups. According to him, the album is available at most local music outlets. He can be phoned on 072 400 0875 for live performance bookings.