Well-known Limpopo musician and also the minister in the office of the presidency, Collins Chabane, was honoured by the Southern Africa Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), during a function held at the Ranch Hotel outside Polokwane a fortnight ago. Chabane shared the stage with his 16-year-old daughter, Tsakani Chabane. Tsakane told the audience that she had decided to follow a career as a musician and that she appreciated the support from her father. Collins Chabane was born and grew up in the village of Xikundu near Malamulele in Limpopo. His love for music stems from this period, as his family were also musicians. At the very young age of 17 he joined the freedom struggle and became a political activist. He was arrested in 1984 and spent the next six years locked up on Robben Island. His love for music carried him through those years and he and some of the other prisoners found solace in making music. After his release, Chabane and his Movement Band performed in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. He mentioned that he was taught to play mbila (thumb piano) by Zimbabwean-born Thomas Mapfumo, who also told him a lot about the profession. The inspiration behind the band was to integrate the xiTsonga, tshiVenda and chiShona (Zimbabwe) cultures and showcase traditional instruments. During his live performance, Chabane played saxophone and mbila in the presence of his comrades and family members. Among the musicians who attended the glittery function were Ms Judith Sephuma, Ms Maduvha Madima, Mr Steve Kekana, Ms Ester-M, Mr Thomas Chauke and Mr Selaelo Selota. "I was not expecting an honorary award and a token of appreciation like this from SAMRO. They are encouraging me to go ahead with my unique music, better known as mbila," Chabane said.