Fans of Zwivhuya Mukondeleli, better known as Moque Slenderboy in local music circles, have mixed feelings about the artist's new stage wardrobe - or rather, the lack of it. Mukondeleli seemingly decided to ditch his usual dress code for underwear while he performs for his fans around Vhembe, and although some may find this more than a little awkward, he insists that his new look is working wonders for him.
The much-loved artist, who hails from Fondwe village outside Thohoyandou, explains that it started out as a joke when he performed in Musina over the Easter holidays. "I have a song called Vhudabadaba, which is a big hit among my fans. People enjoyed the gig and, while I performed this song, I started to take off my jacket and top and the crowd went mad. I didn't know how I took off my trousers, but the crowd loved it when I was left in only my underwear. When I was done with the song, I started putting my clothes back on, but this did not please the fans and they persuaded to me to perform in my underwear throughout the show."
After that show, the videos of his performing in his underwear apparently went viral on social media. "That gig changed my life. I started getting bookings almost every weekend, as far as Tzaneen, Polokwane and Gauteng. My music sales have also gone up since, which clearly demonstrates that it is working for me. So, I decided to make it my trademark. I went to Gauteng to buy different [underwear] outfits for my performances, so that I can change them regularly when I perform." He said that, although some criticised his new stage wear, the majority of his fans were happy about it.
He has a message for those who doubt themselves because they are afraid of what others might say of think. "Do what you love and what satisfies your heart. Those people who criticise you will never give you an income. I live an honest life and earn my income honestly, unlike others who commit crime to survive."