During the Covid-19 pandemic, the well-known Tshivenda music group Tshinombeloni Family were forced to hold back on recording because of the tight restrictions the country had been under. After the restrictions were lifted, however, the band got going and started compiling all the new music they had been stockpiling since into their album, Tshinombeloni Family Volume 7, Munna Muswa.
The album, which was released in February this year, was recorded and produced by multi-talented instrumentalist and studio owner Mr Nelton Dama of the Dama Music Production Studio at Tshifulanani Fhasi ha Bada and is still doing very well and receiving massive airplay on different radio stations.
But Tshinombeloni Family had another surprise for their fans when they released yet another smashing album, called Mutondi, on Wednesday, 7 December – just in time for Christmas. The album, also produced and recorded at the Dama studio, is packed with hits, with Mutondi (title track) and Vhakale seeming to be the most popular among them.
The group leader, Mr Reckson Mathoho, says their archives were practically overflowing with new music that had yet to be released. "Because there was not much else to do during Covid, we spent our time composing songs. We have quite a lot of new songs that are ready for release. We know our previous album is still in demand, but we felt we should give our fans a Christmas gift. Volume 7 is hot, and we did our best to produce only the best Tshivenda music. They will definitely enjoy this one during the festivities," he said. Mathoho says they will be touring a little to promote the new album and do a few live shows.
Dama has only praise for the group. "This is one of the best groups I have ever worked with. Their music is unique and, judging from the positive public reception their music gets, they are destined for greater things," he said.
Tshinombeloni Family's music will only be available on digital music platforms from next year.