Former barefooted village herd boy Marcus "Ndala ya Matshona" Mundalamo (40) is today the toast of Tshififi Village, near Thohoyandou, after succeeding in bringing Venda traditional music to life. His name is synonymous with Malende, but he has converted the traditional music by adding western musical instruments in his music, an initiative that made him an instant cultural hero in the country.

He has successfully managed to integrate roles despite his tight schedule. Marcus is a diesel mechanic by day and a musician when he knocks off, balancing everything with his family commitments. "I can survive through my job as a mechanic, but that love of traditional music in my heart has never given me peace. I did not do it for name or fame. Traditional music was always in my bones and I was obliged to do something to keep the forgotten musical genre alive. Most people have deserted their culture and there is a need to revive it through different activities, including traditional music. A nation without culture is forever doomed because it does not have a foundation."

Marcus started his musical career by playing drumbaza (a guitar-like home-made instrument made of old oil tins and rubber bands) when he was 12 years old. "My father, Wilson, was a traditional guitarist and I imitated his songs. He was my role model and I fell in love with traditional music because of his encouragement." He works as a diesel mechanic for the Thohoyandou-based NW Civils.

The self-proclaimed king of Venda traditional music has previously worked as a mechanic for Tshikondeni Mine, for 12 years. Because of his dedication and hard work, Marcus defied all odds to release his debut eight-track traditional music album, Ndala ya Matshona, which has become a national anthem at almost every gathering in the province. Marketed and distributed by NW Audiovisual, the album is a true reflection of what traditional music expertise is all about. It has simply penetrated into the tough music market and it is receiving massive airplay with the SABC Radio Phalaphala FM and Univen Radio. The album is must-have for all traditional music lovers and it continues to sell well, despite being released middle last year.

Hits like the title song, Ndala ya Matshona, Maria and Nne ndi a nala, have already proved their massive success as they force music lovers to put their dancing shoes on, every time they are played.

However, Marcus said he will never forget to thank all the people who played a role in his musical career. "I cannot mention them all by name because they are too many. I recognize their contribution because I am what I am because of them. I will always worship my fans because their support is massive. I will go back to the studio in the near future and I promise to give them something better than my first offering."