Music

Tshivenda tradional music lovers were treated to royalty when music legend Thiathu Edward Netshikweta launched his fourth album, titled Muthu Wanga Wa Afrika, at Thohoyandou shopping complex on Saturday.

An English teacher at Ladzani Primary School in Mutale, Netshikweta gave a brilliant, timeless and evocative performance while shoppers cheered jubilantly throughout the four-hour music extravaganza. 

Through this album, Netshikweta says, he aims to consolidate the powerful and ever-growing resonance of Tshivenda traditional music.  

Maninja, as he is affectionately called by his fans, said the album was a gift to all his loyal fans who continued to support him through thick and thin. “I wanted to take a rest, but pressure from my fans forced me to go back to the studio to record this album. The album is a tribute to all my fans who have been supporting me for the past 10 years in the music industry. I will continue to give them good music because they are the ones who made me what I am,” he said.

The seven-track album includes hit tracks such Muthu Wanga Wa Afrika, Khonani Ya Vhukuma, Lunyunyu A Lwo Ngo Thanya, O Shanduka, Vhadededzi Vhanzhivhanzi, Mishumo Yo Fhambana and U Guda A Hu Fheli.   

On the track Muthu Wanga Wa Afrika, Netshikweta sings about how badly xenophobia affects Africans. “I was deeply hurt by the recent spate of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, and I felt duty bound to warn people about this barbaric practice. We should all love one another, regardless of where we come from.”

Netshikweta says he is working on his investment plan to plough back his musical knowledge to the youth. “I will engage in a talent search and conduct music workshops around Limpopo during the school holidays. My immediate dream is to establish a recording company that will help to unearth, mould and give an opportunity to rural youths to realize their music potential.”

For CDs, bookings and public performances, Netshikweta can be phone on 079 0331 862.