Music

Top local traditional musician Marcus Mundalamo recently released his fifth album, Vhudabadaba. Mundalamo was the 2013 Tshima award winner in the Tshivenda traditional category.

The album has nine powerful tracks and was recorded at Rwista Pac Records at Ha-Magidi. It was produced by Rwista Pac Records' director and ace producer, Itani Sihadi.

The album boasts massive hits such as Thalano, Zwo Dovha and Murivha. Mundalamo, who performed during this year's Tshima Awards, is now based at Malamulele. He said he was now back after taking leave from the music scene "because of piracy. It costs a lot to come out with a quality album. We spend a lot of time trying to be creative, but after the release of the album it could be [sold] everywhere for a mere R5 or R10."

He added that it was very stressful and depressing "to find your sweat and toil on street pavements, being sold for next to nothing. We tend to lose focus from our creativitiy, as we are not the ones reaping the fruits,” he said.

He said it was the love of music that kept him going, otherwise he would have quit a long time ago. “I made a few changes to my new music, and the hit track Ndala has a new complexion with a live acoustic guitar."

He mentioned that they would continue "doing what we love best, giving quality music to our fans, no matter the odds. We appeal to the authorities to help us in the fight against the scourge by arresting and giving pirates heavy penalties,” he said.

His manager and producer, Itani Sihadi, said the album was making waves in the music industry.

The new album is available at Dakota Music, Dr Music, Mbengis and also from Mundalamo. Interested people can phone him at 079 155 2398 or his manager, Itani Sihadi, at 073 907 3418.