Music
Reggae music lovers will enjoy the original sounds of award-winning Judah, Jah Soldiers, and more artists who form part of The Next Generation tour this festive season.
According to Jah Soldiers, whose real name is Tendani Maiwashe, the tour is aimed at taking The Next Generation to the people of Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal before spreading to other provinces as well.
The tour will feature live performances by Jah Soldiers, Judah and Lufuno Munzhelele. The other members of The Next Generation Band are Mulalo Mulaudzi, Arinao Nemutandani (bass guitar), Londolani Mulaudzi (drums), Thanzi (keyboard), Tendani (keyboard) and Mashudu Pandelani.
The tour will start off on 26 December in Mutale Town Hall. The other venues will be published later.
"We have come a long way since our early days of rehearsing at friends' flats or parking places," said Munzhelele.
The band, which was formed around 2011, boasts two award-winning artists, Ntshudu Judah Guduvheni and Jah Soldiers. Judah is the band's lead singer, who released his single Let thy kingdom come in 2014. The single, which was eventually included on his album, was so good that he managed to win an award for Best Reggae album in the SATMA awards 2015.
Jah Soldiers, who plays keyboards, has three solo albums. His latest album is entitled Nndededze (Guide me). He won the 2015 TSHIMA award for Best Reggae album.
Munzhelele plays rhythm guitar in the band and will be releasing his first single during the tour. The band is in the process of putting together songs to record an album as the Next Generation Band.
"The Mutale leg will also feature performances by Junior Sikheli, Ramzeey, Kings Fam and other upcoming artists," he said.
The band was formed in Sunnyside, Pretoria, when a group of individuals met to pass the time by playing mostly acoustic guitars or cooking and drinking. Most members originate from Vhembe District. "The common thing that sparked the start was basically the love of music as most, if not all, members were musicians in their own right," Munzhelele said. "So a common goal to play music live was found and it became a reality. The band used to cover famous songs by various reggae musicians, such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
"Since we play live music, we would like to empower young and other artists, especially in rural areas, by giving them a platform to perform on a big stage," Munzhelele said. "By hosting shows across the country, we aim to develop a love for our live music performances."