The saying that dynamite comes in small packages certainly applied to poetry singer Takalani Emmanuel Nevhungoni, or Tshilombe tsha Vhurendi as he is known in the entertainment fraternity, when he first rose to stardom. Though he does not have a very distinctive image, Nevhungoni enjoys fame wherever he goes because of his unique talent in musical poetry. His third album, titled Matshilisano o ya ngafhi, was released earlier this month and already it promises to be yet another successful project by the singer.
Nevhungoni was born at Maha, a small village near Thohoyandou, but moved to Ha-Khakhu Makuleni in 1998. Passionate about the Tshivenda tradition, he demonstrated his poetic talents while still attending Tshiavha Primary School, and soon learners and teachers alike were very impressed with what they saw.
Inspired by famous local musical poet Papa Thile, Nevhungoni released his debut album, Ri lwele Ramakole, in 2019, followed by his second album, Ri vhana vha Afrika, in 2020.
Through his latest eight-track album, he urges society to go back to its roots and re-build the cultural and traditional values that have become so neglected today. The album features fellow artists Rofhiwa Tshifhumulo, Tsireledzo Mathobo, Parks de Blessing, Vhuhwavho Emenecha, Dakalo Lamurena, Davy Rams and Elekanyani Munangiwa Nekhavhambe.
One of the tracks on the album, called Vha matongoni, illustrates the life and connections those who lived in the past had with their ancestors. "The main objective of this poetry album is to connect people with their past. The young ones should be taught the importance of our culture and tradition, and one of the most effective ways to do that is through music. I am happy that, in just a few days, this album has been making its presence felt and receives fair airplay on local, regional and national radio stations," he said.