One of the pioneers of Venda music, Mr Jutas Kanakana Mathoho (86), passed away last Friday. Known as Vhavenda Vho JK Mathoho, he was among the first local musicians to master traditional Venda musical instruments such as the mbila (thumb piano), tshihwana (reed string), dende (bowstring instrument), and tshitiringo (reed penny whistle).
Born on 24 April 1938 in Tshiombo village, Mathoho began playing the mbila at a young age. In 2021, Ndalama Heritage Consulting, in association with Mikosi Media, FundiCiti, and the National Film and Video Foundation, commissioned a documentary on his fascinating life and contributions to Tshivenda traditional music.
Thivhilaeli Makatu, producer of the documentary, described Mathoho as one of the country's most gifted players of traditional musical instruments. "His exceptional talent cannot be ignored, and we want the world to know about it," Makatu said.
Mathoho received numerous accolades during his lifetime and was often invited to perform at prestigious events. Notably, he played during the independence celebrations of the former Venda Bantustan government in 1979.
He was particularly revered for his mastery of the mbila, an instrument considered difficult to play proficiently. In a previous interview with Limpopo Mirror, Mathoho shared the story of purchasing his first mbila in 1960 from Mr Tshidumbumukwe Ramabulana of Mianzwi village for R2, a significant amount at the time. He treasured the instrument and kept it throughout his life.
Among his many accolades was the "Nambi ya Dzinambi" Gold Award from Radio Venda, which he received in 1983.
Beyond music, Mathoho was a respected community leader who contributed significantly to Tshivenda music and dance. He also supported local soccer, with his team, Tshiombo XI Securitas, producing stars such as Eric "Tower" Mathoho, who later played for Kaizer Chiefs.
According to his eldest son, Pastor Cedric Mathoho, Mathoho is survived by his wife and five children. His memorial service will take place on Friday at The Living Rock Church of Christ in Tshiombo village, starting at 12:30. The funeral service will follow on Saturday morning at 06:00, also in Tshiombo.