The music career of Musatondwa Ndou began almost by chance in 2015, when her daughter, Ritshidze Mabiku, was graduating from a local crèche. Asked to sing at the event, her performance left the audience spellbound.
Her voice caught the attention of a well-known music scout, Mudavudavu, who immediately took her to a studio. There, she recorded her debut album, Ndi Tshilele Gai, which was released in 2016.
Today, Musatondwa Ndou – better known by her stage name Musasa – has four albums and two singles to her name. The 37-year-old singer from Lambani, outside Thohoyandou, recently turned up the heat with the release of her third single, Mafunoni. A solo project, the track was recorded at Martin on the Beat Studio in Lambani Nzanwe and released two weeks ago.
Despite having had limited schooling, Musasa's music career is flourishing.
"The single is not yet on digital platforms, but I can assure you the reception has been phenomenal," she said. "I'm struggling to keep up with the demand for memory sticks, which I'm selling by hand. This shows how popular the song has become. I'm very happy with how things are going. This has boosted my morale, and the chances of releasing a full album soon are very good."
Musasa describes Mafunoni as a song about love.
"Fall in love to have a taste of its sweetness. I am deeply in love and enjoying it. I am urging those who have not yet tasted the joy of falling in love to do so, and they will feel what I'm feeling," she said.