One of the region's top romance-music groups, Cornerstone, has reunited and is eager to bring fans top-notch entertainment this festive season.
The group announced last year that they would stop performing because of financial difficulties, shortly after the release of their single, Ri toda u divha ("We want to know"). The group's founder and leader, Avharivhudzi Tshisevhe, shared that surviving in the music industry was challenging, particularly for Tshivenda musicians as influential business figures often did not speak the local language.
In an interview with Limpopo Mirror during Burning Spear's recent live performance at Makhuvha Stadium, the soft-spoken Tshisevhe explained that Cornerstone's return was sparked by fans' calls for them to reunite and bring back the romantic love songs that had become their signature. To fund new recordings, the group decided to organise live performances across Limpopo Province.
"We've already lined up three performances for 21 December," said Tshisevhe. "We'll be at Mudunungu White House in the morning, the Annual Thathe Vondo Rastas Show in the afternoon, and finally at Tshimbupfe Malonga in the evening."
Cornerstone gained national attention with their track Thusani, which remains a favourite among music lovers and continues to receive extensive airplay on national and community radio stations. The song reflects the struggles of unemployed parents working hard to support their families, calling on the community to lend a helping hand.
Their latest single, Ri toda u divha, explores the impact of imperialist control over African land and resources, leaving locals to fight for what remains, explained Tshisevhe.
Although the group has a history of releasing politically influenced music, Tshisevhe acknowledges that their fans are especially drawn to their love songs, which resonate on a deeper emotional level. "With our stone rock music, we speak the truth. But we've realised that our fans connect most with our love songs, which touch them deeply. After all, we're lovers at heart," he said.