Music

The developing village of Makonde, north of Thohoyandou, continues to produce household names in music circles. The latest new kid on the block is Aron Rasivhetshele, who is well known as 30 Mrepa in the local Venda Rap (VenRap) music fraternity.

An electrical engineer by profession, Rasivhetshele was born and bred at Makonde village in 1995. Those who have known him from his childhood days agree that Rasivhetshele developed his love of music at a very young age. “He used to come and watch me rehearse with my band while he was still a little boy. He used to playfully sing along with me. With his sweet voice, it was clear that he would grow up to be one of the best emerging vocalists,” said reggae music legend Shufflers Ragimana, who also hails from Makonde village.

Rasivhetshele says he also owes his success to Papa Thile, a famous singer from the same village. “He is the one who introduced me to Ramzee Records where I recorded my debut album, Philiphise, featuring artists such as Bamba, Adolf and V-Boy. Songs like Philiphise, Ro Fhambana, Ndo Tambula and Hendaa were received with joy from my fans and they received massive airplay on both Phalaphala FM and local community radio stations.”

He says his father, Willem Rasivhetshele, also played a major role in developing his music career. “My father was very supportive from the start and he bought me some musical instruments. This encouraged me to work very hard, knowing that there was someone close to me who loved what I was doing.”

Asked how his stage name, 30 Mrepa, came into being, he said with a smile: “I used to play soccer wearing jersey number 30 and after a soccer match, I would go home and continue with my Venda rap music. My friends then gave me the name and I still continue to use it today.”

His message to other budding artists is: “If you want to be a musician, it is important to pursue education first. I’m now working as an electrical engineer and I know that I have something to rely on whenever my music career has some challenges.”

For bookings, public performances and CD sales, 30 Mrepa can be contacted on 074 619 7392.