Musician Musatondwa Ndou, better known as Musasa, has released her long-awaited new album, Thonifho ya Vhavenda. This is her first full album since Mudzhieni Vol. 4 in 2020. Although she has released several singles since then, the 37-year-old singer from Lambani had been working steadily towards a complete project.
The nine-track album, a solo effort by the versatile artist, was released in May 2025 and officially launched two weeks ago. Recorded at Martin on the Beat Studio, the album blends Likompo and Kwasakwasa rhythms, and features standout tracks such as Thonifho ya Vhavenda, Mafunoni and Zwivhuya Zwanga.
Musasa says the album has taken her music career to a new level. "This is one of my best projects ever. I have worked overtime to ensure that this does not fail. I spent sleepless nights trying to come up with new ideas and I am thrilled with the outcomes, and the response is overwhelming," she said.
The title track, she explained, is a Likompo song composed to warm her fans during the cold season, while also celebrating Venda cultural values. "It also depicts the respect we have as Vhavenda. The respect we give to the young and old makes us distinct as a nation. We are not known for bad things, and my message to the elders is that they should continue teaching the young good manners — and for the young ones to respect the elders," she said.
Since the album's release, she has received encouraging feedback.
"Bookings are coming in droves and this gives me hope that I am on the right track. I have already started working on my new project that will surprise many," she said.
Musasa's music career began almost by accident in 2015, when she was asked to sing at her daughter Ritshidze Mabiku's crèche graduation. Her performance captivated the audience and launched her journey into music. She has since released five albums and two singles.