His real name is Azwiambiwi Amblos Masakona, but he is widely known by his stage name, Ambi.

He is one of the local artists whose music is, according to local fans, developing tremendously with time. Born at Lufule village near Thohoyandou 45 years ago, Ambi’s love of music dates back to the early eighties, when he used to play on a home-made guitar.

He recorded a number of singles, including the Lufule song and King Hamurabi at the now-defunct Radio Thohoyandou studios between 1982 and 1985. He moved between several groups between 1986 and 1991 and made contributions towards the music of Jekete, Mahoshi, Mahara and Funi wa Ghetto.

In 1992, he formed his own group, Comet Kids. Due to financial constraints, the group could not record its music. Ambi did not give up, despite all the odds. He went solo and started to compile his own songs. In 2012, he recorded his debut album, Tshitaka, at the Slow Poison Recording Studio at Tshivhulani.

The album comprises ten songs and songs such as U sea sa bengo, Vha nthambela vhathu, Makhadzi and the title track, Tshitaka, made the album an instant hit with fans. Now he has made a comeback with his second Venda disco album. The new release,Jealous, was recorded at Ambi’s newly opened recording studio, Amblos Music Productions, three months ago and was released on 6 October, the day Ambi was celebrating his 45th birthday.

Just like the debut album, Jealous comprises 10 songs. Some of the songs which are likely to drive the fans crazy include Vhusiku a ri lali, Shango lo tshinyala, Maria, Birthday ya Ambi and Zwine vha ita zwi a shonisa.

Ambi will be performing at various ceremonies, including weddings, during the festive season as a way to promote the album. According to him, the album is self-marketed and self-distributed. For sales and live-performance bookings, Ambi can be contacted on 079 488 6433.