Music
Many people might argue that Jamaican roots reggae and dub legend Augustus Pablo of Ital Dub fame might have gone too soon in 1999. While a few artist still follow in his footsteps by recording and performing dub music, Steve Netshishivhe of Khubvi village has taken the bull by its horns by releasing a successful reggae dub album, Only Him can save us.
Netshishivhe's music came as a surprise to reggae music lovers, because the type of music he performs is mostly played and produced by internationally seasoned and aged artists. After playing only two songs, the Phalaphala FM reggae programme team was inundated with calls from reggae music lovers who wanted to know where they could get Netshishivhe's new album.
Those who seriously follow reggae music will agree that dub music is not child's play, taking into consideration that Netshishivhe has only turned 34 this month (January).
"I grew up listening to dub legends such as King Tubby and The Scientists. It is very good music which consists predominantly of instruments emphasizing the drums and bass guitar. I also spice up my music by adding extensive echo, reverb, panoramic delay and the occasional dubbing of vocal or instrumental snippets. That's why I decided to come up with something different from what the majority of local reggae artists play."
Netshishivhe said he released his first album, titled I a konda, in 2011. "The album did not do well and I decided to buy my own studio equipment to record myself. I then did this new album on my own and it turned out to be a hit with reggae music lovers. I played all the instruments and arranged everything on my own time to make sure that I produce the best quality that my fans will enjoy." Only Him can save us contains 13 dub songs, which include Fuyu Litswuku, Corruption, Mufhumudzi, Mommy's Dub, Ready to dub, Corruption dub, Biko's dub, Fuyu's dub, and My dub.
An environmental officer at the South African National Defence Force in Pretoria, Netshishivhe encourages budding artists to seek education first before venturing into the music industry. "I completed my environmental science degree at the University of Venda and I know that I have something to lean on if my music career is not doing well."
For public performances, CDs and bookings, Netshishivhe can be contacted on 0769417508.
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