He grew up looking after cattle and goats in the rural village of Makonde, north of Thohoyandou. Today, he is a celebrated composer and singer of Venda traditional songs.

Affectionately known as “Stringman” by his adoring fans, Phillip Tshililo of Makonde village is famous for his impressive guitar- and flute-playing skills and the ability to hook his audience whenever he performs.

Besides playing music, Tshililo is a prolific physical science teacher at Miriyavhavha High School at Khakhu village, outside Siloam.

Tshililo relased his second album, Milingo, two weeks ago. “I started singing at a very early age. My primary school teachers realized that I had a musical talent and they encouraged me to take music seriously. I used to sing and play lead guitar with Shufflers, the local reggae sensation of the Ndi nga na nda fa fame. After so many years working with Shufflers, I then felt that I was ready to stand on my own - hence I launched my solo career three years ago.”

He is very proud of his new album: “The album is a special gift to my fans and I’m happy that it is in great demand. The album is performing extremely well as it has sold more than 3 000 copies since it was released two weeks ago. I will continue to give my fans the best music, because they are the ones who made me what I am today.”

Milingo contains 11 hot tracks: Milingo, Refiri, A vha shoni ngani, A ri latani, Vhakale, Naledzi, Wanga, Ndo Tshinyani, Ri lwele, Pfunzo and Shaka ndi nnyi.

What does the future hold for this prolific teacher-musician? “My plan is to establish a non-profit organization which will help budding artists to venture into professional music careers. But I must advise the youth to seek education first before they can fully venture into the music industry.”

For CD sales, public performances and bookings, Tshililo can be contacted on 072 233 7447.