Solomon Mathase has been on the music scene for decades. The 72-year-old performing musician rose to prominence with the release of his phenomenal and highly successful album, Ndi Ntshavheni, in 2000, which was followed by other albums that did just as well. However, his sixth and last offering, Ha Tshivhasa Ri la Ra Fura, released in 2019, signalled Mathase's disappearance from the limelight as he suffered one misfortune after the other.
In that same year (2019), Mathase lost his long-time friend, Emmanuel Mamphogoro, who was a producer and engineer. While still mourning Mamphogoro's death, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and he could not continue performing and promoting his album. This hit him very hard in the pocket and he became virtually bankrupt. But even though he was without any means of generating an income, Mathase, who is also a former Univen employee and Gota (headman) at Ngulumbi Ha Ratshitanga, continued to compose more of the music that his many loyal fans have come to love so much.
He now has enough material ready for a new album, but lacks the financial means to get his music recorded. "My fans have been calling me, trying to find out what is happening with me, and I have been trying to dodge the real situation and not telling them the truth. I am still around and have enough material to record two albums, but to tell you the truth, I am down and out. Covid-19 has totally crippled my music business, and I did not even get anything from the government's relief grant for artists to help sustain my business.
"If there is someone out there willing to manage and help me record my new album, please help. I am still available for live performances, and those who need my services are free to contact me," he said.
Mathase can be contacted on 072 444 7999.