Popular music star Shumani Magau (63), one of the biggest names to emerge during the bubblegum music era of the early 1990s, has urged young musicians not to let fame go to their heads – and to invest in their education as fame is fleeting.
Magau, the leader of the Freego band from Khalavha, drew inspiration from the late disco king Dan Tshanda. At the height of their careers, they dominated the bubblegum music scene, but the band faded from the spotlight many years ago.
"In 1990 and 1992, we recorded two albums which never made it to market, with record companies claiming that Tshivenda music did not sell. It was only in 1998 that we managed to record an album titled Ri a Losha," said Magau.
In 2000, they collaborated with the renowned Ali Maake at BMG Records Africa, where the Freego band recorded the album Kutumba. But the company shut down soon after.
"It was only in 2001 that we met ace producer Julius Mudau, and together we did a very successful project, Ri a Losha, which catapulted the group to instant stardom. After releasing two more successful albums, members of my group left and the band folded," he said.
Magau said it took years to rebuild the Freego brand.
"I am back on my feet again, but the message I want to get across is that education is very important. Many young artists strike a hit and bask in the limelight, forgetting about education. They don't realise fame has a short lifespan, and they regret it when the money is gone. I'm speaking from experience. I took a long break from music – just imagine what would have happened, had I relied on music alone all these years," he said.
For the new band, Magau brought in Freddie Tondele, a skilled guitarist from the DRC, veteran producer Julius Mudau, and musician Eddie Mudau as core members of the revived Freego ensemble.
The group's latest album, Party, was launched in Khalavha in early April 2025. It was recorded at ECM Studios in Gauteng and features songs in Tshivenda with a rich African feel.
Magau is currently training young people to play various musical instruments as a way of giving back to the community. He is still finalising the group's relaunch, and the music will be available online from June 2025.