In 2023, popular musician Acolly Mandiza recorded a single titled "Thovhele Musiiwa Gole Mphaphu," on which he praises senior traditional leader Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli. When it was released, he promised his fans that the single was just a build-up to a full album. True to his word, the musician from Hamuraga has now released his sixth album.
The album, named after the title track, was released on 20 September. Mandiza said he had worked for a full nine months to produce it.
"In this project, I collaborated with Vhamusanda Vho Ntikedzeni Maanda Mphaphuli of Muraga, who assisted me in composing the title track, Thovhele Musiiwa Gole Mphaphuli. The song motivated me to record the other 13 songs and complete the album," he said.
Mandiza worked with other renowned artists such as Rofhiwa Nethwadzi, Mulaudzi Tee Jay, Melodic Gee BTR, Worth Vee, JR Player, and Batondy on this album. "I also brought in producers like Fizzy Toofab, DG Beats Lampady, Big Ropza, Gabriel Tshisikule, and Josto from Kenya to make this project a resounding success," he added.
The album was recorded at Muimeleli Entertainment, the same studio where he and his father, veteran musician Elvis Mandiza, used to record their music.
"My music addresses topical issues in our communities, and in the song Ni vha fare zwavhudi, I sing about gender-based violence and the abuse of women and children. I also sing about love, with tracks like Lufuno lwavho and Khavhanndwele, which are like prayers where I praise God for the challenges I've overcome and the successes I've achieved," he said.
Mandiza added that, like streets, his albums and songs are mostly named after influential people. "The only difference is that I name my albums and songs after people who are still alive," he said.