Traditionalist Lufuno Malitsha from Makonde village outside Thohoyandou is worried about the lack of interest among the young generation to play the mbila (traditional hand piano).
Malitsha (47) was taught to play the mbila by his late father, Ndwakhulu William Malitsha, when he was only 10 years old. Since then, Malitsha has been the master of this instrument, continuing to make a name for himself in his vicinity.
Between 2003 and 2005, Malitsha was among the great entertainers to captivate traditional-music lovers with his exceptional skills in playing the mbila at the University of Venda's annual arts festival. At the time, he received promises from a number of supporters of traditional music to get his music recorded and marketed, but sadly, none of these promises materialised. When the University of Venda discontinued the annual arts festival, Malitsha had nowhere to market his music, but he did not stop playing as the local villagers continued to encourage him to play for them.
Also known as "Mr Sea Water" (after one of his songs), the mbila maestro is famous for hits such as Vho-Muofhe, Vho-Mudzhadzhi, Lufuno and Sialala. His powerful voice, which is accompanied by his instrument, makes him a distinguished and well-respected artist.
In an exclusive interview with Limpopo Mirror last Friday, Malitsha said he felt that as he had fully matured in traditional music, the time had come for him to spread his wings. "My main problem is that I am not formally employed, and I do casual jobs to make a living. It is almost impossible for me to come up with the money to have my music recorded at a professional recording studio. I humbly plead with Good Samaritans to help me record my music, because I want it to be preserved for the next generations. These days, only a few people are able to play the mbila, and if we don't document this music, it will end up vanishing into thin air and our future generations will never know it."
He said that he had enough songs to make two full albums, if given an opportunity. "I have more than 20 songs ready. Mine is a one-man band as I compose my own songs, play the mbila and sing simultaneously. Having my songs recorded at a professional recording studio will make me the happiest man on earth. Even if I die after recording my songs, I will die a happy man," he said.
Anyone who might be interested in helping Malitsha get his songs recorded can call him on 076 569 7060.