Rest Cruz releases third reggae album

His real name is Thabo Rest Motlabeng, but he is widely known by his stage name, Rest Cruz.

Born at Mbodi village in the Niani area 32 years ago, Rest Cruz inherited his music talent from his parents, who were active members of a church choir. According to him he started writing songs at the age of 17. At that stage, he was a Grade 12 learner at the Hanyani Secondary School.

He continued to write songs while studying towards a diploma in nursing over the following years. He later met a local reggae legend, Kenny Murabi, who introduced him to a well-known producer, Mr Ananias Begwa.

His debut album, In 1652, was recorded and released in 2014. The album was self-marketed and as such it struggled in the market.

Back to court was his third album, which was released in 2016.  Songs such as Living in the presence and Freedom made the album an instant hit with the fans.  His newest album, Ni songo hatula, meaning ‘don’t judge’, was recorded at the MB Recording Studio in Thohoyandou towards the end of last year.

The album was played on air for the first time at most radio stations early last month. It comprises 13 songs and boasts tracks such as Rastaman’s plead, Live up and learn, Vhutshilo ndi ha ndeme, Righteous man and the title song, Ni songo hatula. Some of the artists who participated in the new project are Justice Mbedzi, Ras Canly, Ananias Begwa, Given Madzunye and Vhonani Muthego.

According to Rest Cruz, the album is dedicated to all people, irrespective of race, gender or age group. Asked how it was possible for him to do live performances at the various concerts while at the same time servicing his career as a full-time nurse, he smiled and said that it was all about time management.

For live-performance bookings, Rest Cruz can be phoned on 071 535 2955.

Entertainment - Date: 17 June 2019

Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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