In the early 1980s, musician Takalani Lucas Netshivhodza, together with his friend Shumani Magau, founded a formidable disco duo called Freego.
The friends from Khalavha travelled the length and breadth of the country, performing their popular music. The band became a household name, but as fate would have it, the two went their separate ways because of work commitments, and Freego was eventually disbanded.
The music spark, however, never faded for Netshivhodza. He always dreamt of a major comeback and of making it again in the industry. Twenty years later, he is back — this time as a gospel artist, trading under the name TLN Band.
The band recently released a sizzling gospel album titled Ro Takala, which came out three weeks ago. The album features standout tracks such as Khonani Yanga, Rotakala and Tshivhidzelwa.
"After the folding of Freego, I always dreamt of the day I would be back in the studio to record new music. I admit we did very well as disco musicians, but gospel music has always been in my heart," he said.
Netshivhodza said that even during his break, he continued composing gospel songs, but high production costs kept him from recording.
"Studio time is very expensive and, as you know, we do music for the love of it, not for profit. I wasn't able to record all these years. But now I'm back for good, and fans can enjoy this hot new album," he said.
The popularity of his latest release has already inspired Netshivhodza to start working on a follow-up album, which he plans to release early next year.