After more than 40 years of waiting for his big break, Mmbangiseni Ernest Madzivhandila - better known as Master in the entertainment world - has finally realised his dream. The 57-year-old Tshivenda traditional-music artist from Tshakhuma Dzananwa has recorded his long-awaited debut album, Mukatshelwa.
The eight-track album, recorded with ace producer Nelton Dama at Dama Music Productions in Tshifulanani, features songs such as Mukatshelwa (the title track), Mulingoni Vho Muvalela, and Vhana Vha Tamba nga Jeso Ngani. It was officially released in December 2024.
For Madzivhandila, this milestone marks the culmination of a journey that began when he was just 17. "My father, Elias Madzivhandila, was a well-known mbila player, and I would sit and listen to him play. That's where my love for music started. But instead of following in his footsteps, I chose the guitar, and I've been playing ever since," he said.
His road to recording success was far from easy. In 1981, Radio Venda recorded some of his music, but the quality was poor, and the songs were rarely played on air.
"That didn't discourage me. I kept telling myself that I would record a proper album one day. Forty years later, here I am. It might have taken a long time, but the wait was worth it. Now, the people who were denied my music for so long can finally enjoy it," he said.
Madzivhandila expressed special gratitude to Nelton Dama for making his dream a reality. "I am incredibly thankful for his support. Without him, this project wouldn't have been possible," he said.
Looking ahead, he has no plans of slowing down. "I'm working on three more albums this year. I've already finished recording a gospel album. Since I have the energy, I want to make up for lost time. I've stockpiled so much music over the years, and now that I have this opportunity, I'm going all out," he said.
Mukatshelwa is currently being sold through direct distribution but will be available on digital music platforms by mid-April 2025.