The Burning Shack Studio, located in Thohoyandou Block F, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special event. The studio, known for recording music by various artists, has invited some of the musicians who have worked there over the years to join in the celebration.
One of the notable artists associated with the studio is Mulalo Mukwevho, also known as Benjamin Maurrel from Harley and the Rasta Family band. Mulalo, who is an internationally acclaimed bass guitarist and reggae artist, mentioned that they would be celebrating alongside other artists who had recorded their music at the Burning Shack Studio this year.
Mulalo comes from a musical family, with his father and uncle forming the group The Thrilling Artists in the late 1970s. His brother, Colbert Mukwevho, also joined the group as a backing vocalist. Their debut album, titled "Mukhada" (Concubine), released in 1983, became a beloved national anthem among music lovers in the Venda homeland.
The Burning Shack Studio has been a hub for reggae artists in the country, attracting musicians such as Khakhathi and Friends, and Shufflers Ragimana. Mulalo, who is a qualified sound engineer in addition to being a musician, mentioned that they had recorded more than 100 artists since the studio's establishment in 2003. He expressed gratitude for the studio's success and hoped to continue assisting more artists in the future.
Mulalo gained international recognition for his skills as a bass guitarist when he performed with Harley and the Rasta Family at Somhlolo Stadium in Swaziland at the age of 11. Despite his young age, Mulalo's talent impressed the audience, and he received accolades for his performance.
When asked about his early experience of performing in front of a large crowd, Mulalo revealed that he had started playing the guitar at a young age and had already been performing with his brothers at local venues by the age of seven. He expressed fearlessness and passion for music from a young age.