“Music expresses what cannot be put into words. People haven’t always been there for me, but music always has. In one way or another, music is my religion,” said Ras Canly.

Funanani ‘Ras Canly’ Phalanndwa recently released his second album, Mbilu yanga (My heart). The album is doing very well and has already sold more than 700 copies. “I am not marketing the album, but it is doing well. It shows that people are loving my music,” said Phalanndwa. He expressed appreciation for the love and support from his fans.

Phalanndwa hails from Tshiombo village and he started to sing in 1999. He is a rap singer, inspired by Kenny Murabi’s album War. The new album has 14 tracks. Tracks such as Ndibva Venda, Ngoho ido bvela khagala and freedom, are already popular. His debut album, Pick yourself up, was also a huge success and dominated the market for some time.

Although he does not have a tertiary qualification in music, he has some knowledge of producing music. “I am planning to obtain a qualification in music. The music industry is cruel, and you need a firm academic background,” said Phalanndwa.