For Thivhulawi Ndou, better known as T-Man Gavini, the road to reclaim his rightful place in the music industry, after spending years out on the streets because of drug addiction, has not been easy. The King of Kwaito, however, seems to be doing very well since he announced his rehabilitation and comeback to the music industry with the release of his album Mazwale last year.
T-Man Gavini made a vow to his fans and those close to him never to return to his days of drug abuse and he is keeping his word.
Not long after he rose to stardom in 2006 with hits such as Tshifhinga Tsha u Tshina and Nwana u thoma ngo Kokovha, T-Man Gavini took a pitiless plunge from grace when he got mixed up with the wrong company and drugs started to take control of his life. He forgot about music altogether and started frequenting taverns and other dodgy hangout places - not to perform but to beg for beer and drugs. His music career deteriorated, and for years he lived the life of a hobo.
In 2020, Advocate Mpho Nefuri saw a photo of him in tattered clothes on Facebook, spurring her on to consider an intervention. People were mocking him in the comments, and for some reason, this touched her. So, she went out to find him and had him admitted to a rehabilitation centre in Pretoria that she paid for herself. After rehab, Nefuri took him into her own home and, when she saw that her charge was better, took things further. She hooked him up with Prime Entertainments and Mazwale was recorded. From there on, things began to really look up for the artist.
"I am forever indebted to Advocate Nefuri. I was lost, drowning in a pool of drugs and heading straight for the grave, but God sent her to rescue me. I had lost all hope in life, but through God's grace and the efforts of others, I am back on my feet and reclaiming my rightful place as captain of my ship," Gavini said.
Since the release of Mazwale, a few other singles and gigs have followed, but these days Gavini enjoys spending his time helping up-and-coming artists. This, he says, is his way of ploughing back into the communities that supported and helped him in getting through his darkest days.
"I would like to impart my skills to others who are still struggling to climb the music ladder. I will not be doing justice, though, if I do not sit down with my brothers in this industry and warn them about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. I was there, and I feel it is my duty to share my experiences with them. I am indebted to the community, and those who need my help must feel free to contact me. I am ready to groom new stars and give them a break in making it in the industry," he said.
T-Man Gavini is releasing a very hot new album, called I am Born Again, in October this year, so fans have something to look forward to. Aspiring musicians who need assistance can contact him on 071 423 3183. He is also available for live performances.