Versatile artist Mbali Zuke, better known as Makoti Wa Vhavenda, is giving her fans something to celebrate this festive season. She released the single Rohola Roholiswa on 2 December.
Zuke has built a strong following in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. She performs Afro-pop, Afro-soul, amapiano and Afrobeat. Her latest song was recorded at Masana Records in Chiawelo, and she worked with DJ Search and DJ Davic on the project.
Speaking about the release, Zuke, who is based in Nzhelele, said she wanted to lift spirits during the festive season.
"Rohola Roholiswa is a song about the confident walk of a soccer player named Mukoko. It is about the joys of the festive season as it is a time where workers receive bonuses. During this time, most South Africans buy Christmas clothes, a lot of groceries and get together and have fun. I am encouraging them to walk with confidence like Mukoko, a DRC soccer star, to celebrate all their wins this year, whether small or big," she said.
She said the single had been warmly received. "The single has received a lot of love from people as it reached 100,000 views on YouTube in five days," Zuke said.
Her 2012 debut single, Ukweduka, featuring Maskandi musician Ichihashi Elimhlophe, marked the start of her career. She has since released a number of Tshivenda songs.
Songs that helped grow her popularity in Vhembe include Makwanda. The song is about an old rhyme sung by elders in Venda. Another popular track is Hamula. It focuses on overcoming obstacles to success.