The newly formed Tshivenda traditional music group Tshitondovhe na Tshivhavhula Band is bringing fresh energy to the genre.
Formed last year by brothers Thendo Vincent Mulea, 39, and Silas Mulea, 36, the group is already making waves and proving to be a game-changer on the local music scene.
Based in Pile Dzimauli, the band released their debut single, Khokhonya, on Heritage Day. The three-track recording was produced at JFM Studio by veteran musician Julius Mudau, who is also the brothers' uncle. Mudau composed the songs and collaborated with the pair on the project.
Group leader Vincent Mulea said they were concerned about the decline of traditional music. "Our traditional music is being reduced to the gutters. Many of the artists in this genre are giving up and letting their creativity rot as a result of not getting the necessary support. Promoters of music are now following the new breed of artists who are into modern dance music. Traditional music artists no longer feature at festivals," said Mulea.
He added that they had decided to pursue this genre as a way of reviving it. "We are also inspiring other youths that this music is not only for the old school, but we have to continue this as it is our own culture that should be passed on from generation to generation. We are determined to carry this mandate and, as a matter of fact, we are busy with other tracks and we will release a full album before the end of the year," he said.
The group is already gaining recognition, receiving extensive airplay on various radio stations and earning a nomination at the upcoming VendShang Awards later this year.