Xitsonga artist Kaizer Shibambu, known as Hosi Yo Lungha in the music industry, encourages young and upcoming artists to first take a few courses after school to empower themselves as the music industry does not necessarily provide a full-time career for all local musicians.
Hosi Yo Lungha and his group, the Xirhami Group, won the Best Xitsonga Duo/Group award at the 17th Xitsonga Music Awards, held at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen on 5 November.
Hosi Yo Lungha and the group members were very excited about winning this award. "When you work hard, it takes time, but success follows hard work and it can finally pay off for you. The award to me is a morale booster in this tough music industry and motivates me to work even harder to achieve more awards," he said in an interview with the media.
The group received a trophy and R12 000 in cash. Hosi Yo Lungha said they were happy to be able to make music that the people could appreciate. He thanked their producer, the legendary Mr MC Mabasa, Munghana Lonene FM, the organisers, and fans who voted for them in large numbers.
The talented musician was born and bred in Ha-Piet Booi in the Mulenzhe community. He grew up listening to the music of veteran Xitsonga artist Thomas Chauke, whom he regards as his role model. He was a backing singer for some of the Xitsonga artists until 2012, when he recorded his first CD, called Basiti ba Shibambo.
Hosi Yo Lungha is also regarded as a community builder. Each year he organises soccer tournaments for the communities in Mulenzhe during the festive and Easter holidays in an effort to keep young people busy and out of trouble.