The scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, particularly targeting women and children, has become a growing concern in many sectors, including the entertainment industry. One of the artists using his platform to raise awareness is musician Prince Makuya, popularly known as Muduhulu wa ha Tshanda.
Makuya, a 38-year-old musician from Malavuwe outside Thohoyandou and now based in Gauteng, has released a new disco single titled Mabulayo Ndi a Mini to highlight the crisis. The song, released on 4 February, calls on men to stop the violence and urges authorities to reinstate the death penalty as a deterrent to would-be killers.
For the track, Makuya collaborated with versatile artists Jininka and DJ Davic, producing a sound reminiscent of classic disco from the 1980s.
Prince Makuya said the country was bleeding due to the rising number of women and children falling victim to senseless killings. "Day in and day out, women and children are being murdered by the very people who are supposed to protect them. This has to stop," he said. "Through this song, I am calling on all men to end the violence and allow women to live in peace. I am also appealing to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Premier Phophi Ramathuba to consider bringing back the death penalty. We are tired of these killings, and something drastic needs to be done."
Makuya has been in the music industry for years, working closely with his late uncle, legendary disco artist Dan Tshanda. The two toured extensively across Africa and the UK.
Despite his passion for music, Makuya took a long break to focus on his education, following his uncle's advice. He released his debut album, Khensani, in 2011 but prioritised his studies, ultimately earning a diploma in security management from Unisa, a BCom Law degree, and an LLB. He currently serves as head of security at the Gauteng Provincial Government.