Rendani Mugeri from Elim, better known by her stage name of Khomba Lavenda, knows about the challenges and rewards that come with being a musician. She has been working in the music industry for over a decade now and has experienced her share of ups and downs, but to her, everything has been worth the trouble.
The singer has just released her second House album, titled Mulilo, and although self-marketed, her offering is already in great demand and has also started receiving airplay on local community, regional and national radio.
Khomba Lavenda's passion for singing was realised very early in her life. "I used to sing a lot when I was young because that's what I enjoy doing most. I was a member of the school choir then," she said.
She believes that music can be a very powerful tool. "It helps us understand that people have problems in life. Some people don't like to talk about their problems, but by listening to music, they find new strength."
Her journey as a musician started about 15 years ago. She recalled that, at the beginning, things were not easy but she endured each challenge that came her way, until her first album, Anga mathada, was produced in 2015. "It's been tough, but if you know what you want, you need to be brave and work hard in order to reach your dreams. I realised that I had to make good music," she said.
From the many lessons learnt throughout her journey, Khomba Lavenda reckons that writing and singing about people's experiences is what attracts the fans. "It is not as easy as it may look, especially when you don't have a manager or someone to help you. I want to go out there and let the public know about life in the music business."
Khomba Lavenda says she is very happy and proud that her new album has been so well received by her fans. Some of the more popular songs on the album include Ha thembisi, Milingo and Lufuno luyada.