When Peter Khwalu, also known as Ras Pee Khwalu, released his first album, called Ri kho Phinyela, in 2018, it did not do well in the market because of poor quality. But this did not distract the musician from Ngovhela Dzumbathoho outside Thohoyandou from forging ahead and upping his game.
After an absence of four years from the music scenes because of the Covid-19 pandemic and other personal factors, the reggae artist came out smoking hot with his latest album, Ndi Do Dzula, which was released in July 2022. The album was produced by Annanius Begwa of Uprising Music, but sad to say, Khwalu could not get out to promote it because of other work commitments.
He is very proud of the album, though. "This is the best music I have ever produced. There are three tracks that are especially popular with my fans, namely Ndi Do Dzula (title track), Vhaholefhali (which features Ras Canly) and Vhaswa. All the tracks have messages and Vhaholefhali speaks about the disrespectful way people treat the disabled. They are not always given fair chances and opportunities and this, in my opinion, is not right. Let us treat them as normal people and not look down upon them. It is my belief that respect should not depend on the position one has in the community, but that everyone should be treated equally as God's people. This is the message I want to put across," he said.
Khwalu is motivated by icons in the mould of Ras Canly, Kenny Murabi, Jacky Nethomboni, Colbert Mukwevho and Muprimier Nengovhela. "I am really excited to finally have the time to promote this album and take my own music to the people. I want to preach the message of peace, love and happiness."
Khwalu says that if people support local artists by buying their music, it will encourage them to come up with even more creative work and music. His album is available on digital online platforms.