Since his early days, Mr Watson Nndwamato Luvhimbe (54)has had one thing in mind – to promote his Venda culture through indigenous music. A general worker at the Department of Transport by day and a musician by night, Luvhimbe stays at Tshisahulu village, outside Thohoyandou.

He is a custodian of Venda culture who plays indigenous musical instruments like Dende, Tshipotolio, Tshihwana, Ngoma, Mbila, Tshizambi, to name but a few. As a renowned sculptor, Luvhimbe makes all his musical instruments himself.

As a young boy, Luvhimbe taught himself different kinds of indigenous music instruments while looking after goats. "No one taught me how to play all these instruments. The love of indigenous music is in my blood and that is why I become more skilled on a daily basis. There is nothing more important than preserving your culture because it is the wealth of the coming generation. Many people think that playing indigenous musical instrument lowers one’s dignity, which is not true. I am proud of my culture and that is why I don’t even feel shy when I play my music."

Luvhimbe is a common figure in different social gatherings like the coronation of traditional leaders in the Vhembe area. "I receive a lot of invitations to play in different functions because people love my music. This music shall never die and I will do everything to preserve it, as long as I survive."

He added that he would like to impart his knowledge to the young generation. "Those who are interested in learning this kind of music are free to contact me. I will always be there because I know that I will be making a massive investment by teaching the skills to the young generation."

However, he says he needs people who can assist him in marketing and recording his music. "I would be the happiest man on earth if people can come forward because I want my music to spread to all the corners of the world."

Luvhimbe can be accessed at 072 062 0250.