For more than 50 years, legendary musician Nelton Dama has travelled the country, sharing his love for music. The Tshisahulu-born artist, long considered an unsung hero, received overdue recognition over the weekend when he was honoured with a Life Achievement Award at the inaugural VendShang Awards.
The event, the brainchild of musician Apostle TD Netshivhodza, was held on 22 November at Lambani Mahagala outside Thohoyandou. It celebrates local musicians across seven categories, including Best Tshivenda Traditional Song, Best XiTsonga Traditional Song, Best Hip-Hop Song, Best Reggae Song, Best Gospel Song, Best Likompo Song (amapiano) and Best Collaboration Song.
An ecstatic Dama reflected on his career, which began in the 1970s. "I have been through all the eras of the industry — from Seven Singles, LPs, cassettes, CDs, memory sticks, and now the digital era, where music is sold online. All these years, I never received any accolade recognising my contributions to the industry," he said.
He also urged the government to acknowledge musicians' contributions while they are alive. "You work very hard, but others reap the fruits and you die a pauper. We urge government not to wait for us to pass on. Acknowledge our contributions now and also give us support to boost our morale as creative activists," Dama said.
A polished multi-instrumentalist, Dama once held a full-time office at Gallo Records in Johannesburg and has experimented across genres. He has shared stages with South African icons such as Ray Phiri and the Peddlers, as well as international star Richard John Smith. Locally, he collaborated with the Mukwevho brothers, Xitsonga maestro Skhandule Mabasa, and Tshivenda guitar wizard Eric Mukhese.
Through his Dama Music Productions studio in Tshifulanani Fhasi Habada, he has mentored and assisted young musicians free of charge. Aspiring artists can contact him at 072 906 3671 to pursue their musical dreams.