Amid reports of corruption and maladministration in the South African Police Service (SAPS), which led to the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu by President Cyril Ramaphosa, pending investigation, Venda classic rumba artist Muzondwa Salani, better known as "Gear Box," has released his latest album, General Mkhwanazi.
Born and raised in the rural village of Muhuyu near Matangari, outside Thohoyandou, the 56-year-old musician said he developed a love for music at an early age, herding cattle and goats while playing an old-fashioned guitar and listening to Tsonga legend Thomas Chauke.
General Mkhwanazi, released in August, is Gear Box's seventh album and features 10 tracks. He said the album aimed to expose corruption and warn those misappropriating government funds that they would be held accountable.
Muzondwa, who serves as a soldier in the 15 SAI Battalion in Vuwani, was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this year to assist in peacekeeping efforts. He described his time in the North Kivu province, where South African troops faced heavy fighting against the M23 militia, as extremely challenging. One of the songs, Mubambiro, draws directly on this experience.
The album also includes tracks such as Vhufarakano, Jelous na Vhaloi, Vhathu vha Lino Shango, Ndi Takala Ndi Madimbo, and Kha Vhade Ri Takale. All songs were composed by Muzondwa and recorded at Madimbo PS Studio under the direction of PS Chauke.