Venda reggae musician Ras Tom Mulaudzi has taken a major step in his rising career after winning Best Reggae Song at the Vendshan Awards. The recognition came for his single Vhasadzi Vhatanu, released earlier in the year, which drew wide attention and secured strong support from listeners.
The award has left the artist encouraged and emotional. "I was very excited and emotional at the same time about the recognition, bearing in mind that Vhasadzi Vhatanu was released earlier this year," he said.
Vhasadzi Vhatanu stands out for its direct engagement with social behaviour, particularly the pressures faced by men who maintain multiple relationships and the impact this has on their well-being. The song's message aligns closely with everyday realities in many communities, helping it resonate with audiences.
Ras Tom sees the award as evidence of artistic growth but also as a reminder that the standard he has set must now be upheld. "This award brought excitement and courage but, at the same time, it is also challenging as I have to maintain the standard that I have set … and hoping to scoop many awards in future," he said.
His sound is anchored in his Venda identity, drawing heavily on local expression. "Deep Venda lyrics mixed with proverbs and idioms … that is what spices my music," he said.
However, he noted the difficulties faced by musicians in Venda, where the talent pool is strong but access to industry support is limited. He described the challenge of "being popular with less or no income" in a region where opportunities for commercial growth remain constrained.
The response since the awards night has been strong. "The night of the awards was emotional on my side because my fans were already calling for the song before the award … congratulations messages are still flocking in as I speak," he said.
The award has helped him secure new opportunities, including a collaboration with a well-known reggae artist who has expressed interest in his work. Ras Tom is preparing for a series of performances in the coming months and aims to deliver high-quality shows as he builds on the momentum of his win. "Much to expect … I will be performing at different shows as planned," he said.