At the age of 83, Makhulu Tshililo, born Tshililo Regina Munzhelele of Maheni village, is turning old Vhavenda songs into modern hits.
Two songs released at the end of last year, Maanda ha Lovhi and Tshithethenthe Maride, were produced by Ananias Begwa. “These are songs we grew up singing and dancing to in our villages,” Makhulu Tshililo says.
When she entered the studio, nerves were expected. What surprised many was how naturally she owned the microphone.
“She was very easy to work with,” says Begwa, a recording engineer based in Maraxwe. “She has a natural feel for rhythm, and her timing is exceptional. You can immediately tell she’s a natural artist, and I think that’s exactly why people will love her music.”
Music is only part of her remarkable story. At the age of 60, while many people are thinking about retirement, Makhulu Tshililo went back to school. Her mission was clear and deeply personal.
“My main motivation was to be able to read the Bible,” she says. “As an elder at church, I wanted to read it with understanding.”
She passed with excellence, earning admiration from teachers who were inspired by her hunger to learn.
Now, Makhulu Tshililo is determined to record more tracks, capturing the rhythms, stories and spirit of her generation before they fade. For her, hearing her own voice on the radio is both thrilling and overwhelming.
“I feel scared and excited at the same time,” she says. “It’s always fulfilling to do something worthwhile with your life. Even though I’m not formally educated, I was blessed with this little wisdom, and I will use it to make my mark, as long as I am alive.”