The multi-talented singer-cum-music producer, Tovhowani Mathoho, said that he felt hurt and not happy at all about certain artists he had helped to get recorded who had afterwards shown no appreciation for his hard work.
Mathoho explained that that he had composed, arranged and produced two albums for two local artists (whom he decided not to mention by name) free of charge because they had no money. Both these artist won R30 000 at the Tshivenda Music Awards (Tshima) in consecutive years, but he never saw a cent as a token of gratitude.
Mathoho, who is the sole owner of Mudzinba Music Production, released his own debut album in 2001 while he was still based in Chiawelo in Johannesburg. One of the tracks on this album, called Muimawoga, was well received by music lovers and played regularly on many radio stations across the country.
When asked what had prompted him to start his own recording company, he said he had been touched by how much recording companies charged up and coming artists to record their music, especially those from poor backgrounds. "I returned to Venda out of love for my people. I recorded a lot of artists in Johannesburg, and my business there was booming, but when I saw how many artists struggled to record here at home, I decided to come back and help," Mathoho said.
"There are a lot of talented local artists who cannot record their music because they don't have the money for it. That is why I recorded them for free, with the understanding that they would pay me back later. But after my experience with those unappreciative artists, I think now they must all pay upfront," he said.
Since Mathoho's return to Venda, he has recorded artists such as Papa Thile, Surprise Alidzulwi, Mbilaheni Mahada, and others. Those who would like to record their music can contact Mathoho at 082 628 0447.