In 2011, disco maestro Prince Makuya released an album titled Khensani. The musician, better known as Prince Muduhulu Wa ha Tshanda, then dropped off the radar and has not released a follow-up album.
His uncle, Dan Tshanda, the undisputed disco king of the 80s, advised him to finish his schooling before venturing into music full time. Heeding his uncle's advice, Makuya put everything on hold and concentrated on his education.
Now 38 years old and from Malavuwe outside Thohoyandou, he is a highly qualified professional. He holds a diploma in security management from Unisa, a BCom Law degree, and an LLB among his qualifications. He is currently head of security at the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Thirteen years later, fulfilling his uncle's advice, Prince Muduhulu wa ha Tshanda is back with a bang. He released his second offering last Thursday. The EP, titled Magaraba, contains beautiful songs such as the title track Magaraba, Ke Rumilwe, and Mosadi.
"This is a tribute to my uncle, Daniel Ndiviseni Tshanda. He taught me music from a very young age. He shaped my life, and I would not be who I am today if it were not for him," he said.
Makuya noted that even though his uncle was very successful in music, he understood that the music industry is unpredictable, and one could be a star today and forgotten the next. "He told me education was the only weapon that would guarantee me a brighter future. This is how I honour him, even though he passed on before seeing my success," he said.
Prince Muduhulu wa Tshanda said the project had not been easy because of differences within the family. "Uncle Dan has been part of my life, and no one will stop me from honouring him. With him, we crisscrossed the length and breadth of the country and even travelled to countries like Botswana, Namibia, the UK, and Zambia. I got to know Johannesburg because of him. My long-time dream is to carry the legacy forward and produce more music," he said.