After years of labouring in the music industry without any recognition, Takalani Tharaga from Nzhelele Ha Raliphaswa finally had his day. The gospel musician won the Best Creative Gospel Artist award at the MIA Creative Writing and Literature Awards.
The ceremony was held at the Apollo Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 29 October. The awards are the brainchild of well-known poet and author Rudolf Monyela and work on a voting system.
Tharaga said he saw the advert on social media while he was busy marketing his debut album at the time, called Modimo Wa Bona, and was so interested that he did some following up on how to enter the competition. "I decided to enter the competition there and then, only to find that I was competing with great names like Mr Rendani Edwel Ndou, Moeti, David "Lion" Gwangwa, the Scorpion Gospel Group and Given Ramotshela. I thought I was just adding numbers, with no hope of winning. Last year, I entered the Dibilapitseng Music Awards but never made it. I could not believe my ears when my name was called on the stage. I thought I was dreaming, and I nearly cried with joy. It is good to be recognized in this fashion. The industry is at an all-time low, but a pat on the back gives one the courage and hope to soldier on," he said.
Tharaga said that although his musical journey has not been a smooth one up until now, the support he got from his fans kept him going. "I will not be doing justice if I forget to thank everyone who stood behind me, especially Mr Ludwick Motshekga, Muapostola Pfanie Baloyi and the many, many others who formed a strong support structure. To all those who have voted for me, I thank you. To all my fans, look out for my new album, Sentebale, to be released very soon. It is a very strong album that will soothe broken souls and hearts. It is a must-have for everyone," Tharaga said.