After nearly two decades of trying to secure a recording deal, traditional music artist Melda Davhana has finally released her debut album, U sa pfa. The album was launched last Wednesday.
Davhana, a mother of five, said she managed to release two singles in 2023—Tshidudu tsha mashonzha and Hafha shangoni—both of which have enjoyed good airplay on local and national radio stations.
"I thank God that I finally managed to record my debut album," she said.
She described the challenges many artists face when trying to record: "It is very difficult to record an album nowadays because studios are expensive. If you don't have your own band, you must also pay session musicians."
Her album includes five tracks: Tshidudu tsha mashonzha, Hafha shangoni, Tshinwe tshinoni tsho mmbudza, Dibviseni, and the title track, U sa pfa.
Davhana said the title song spokes to the importance of discipline and listening to elders. "It addresses youths who don't listen to their parents, elders, or other members of the community. Respect is the backbone of the future for all youths. Without it, young people end up in trouble—sometimes even losing their lives," she said.
She added that she planned to continue using her music to spread the word of God.