Veteran musician Humbulani Ramagwedzha will celebrate his 50th birthday with a music bash in Tshiawelo on 9 May, bringing together several artists from Venda for a night of live performances.
The celebration will take place near the area where Ramagwedzha grew up, allowing him to mark the milestone with the fans who have supported his career from the start.
“Hosting the event in Tshiawelo is important because many similar celebrations usually take place in Venda. I wanted to bring the experience to supporters on this side,” he said.
The line-up includes well-known artists such as Dr Colbert Mukwevho, Takie Ndou, Shufflers Ragimane, Talani Mudau, Burning Doctor, Rude Kid Venda and Jimmy da Scratcher.
Ramagwedzha began his recording career in 2003 and has released eight albums that have received airplay on several radio stations. He credits his longevity in the industry to the continued support and loyalty of his fans.
The birthday event will also serve as the launch platform for a new EP, which Ramagwedzha plans to unveil during the celebration.
Reflecting on the music industry, he noted the shift from CD sales to digital streaming platforms. With revenue from streaming often delayed, live performances and paid appearances have become an important source of income for many artists.