A star-studded line-up of local musicians is set to perform at the Yalila Ngoma Vol. 3 Live Recording on 23 December at Sands Kitchen and Chill, Makonde Shadani. The project is an initiative of Makonde-based Debig Beats Music.
Founder Vhonani Emmanuel Rantsana said the recording would feature legendary and contemporary artists, including Makhadzi wa ha Rambuda (Naledzani Netshirembe), Burning Saul Nephawe, Shufflers Ragimana, Papa Thile, Ipopeng Cultural Group, Ndidzu Matumba, Romeo ThagreatWhite, Rasta Bathu, and Lufuno Munzhelele. "The Yalila Ngoma Band will be on fire as rehearsals are ongoing, and we have left nothing to chance," he said.
Rantsana explained that the project aimed to revive live music, which had declined with the rise of USB-based performances, and to foster cultural exchange through collaborations with artists from other South African tribes. The recording will also explore reggae influences, adding a new dimension to the band's sound.
The Yalila Ngoma Band, known for the viral hit Ndi do fa nga mbilu, was established to preserve and promote Vhavenda traditional music. They have developed a unique genre, Tshikona Malende, and released their debut album in 2024, featuring tracks such as Nzekenzeke, Mbilu, and Mbudzi dza Vhalemba. Their follow-up album, recorded in December 2024 at Lantana Lodge in Phalaborwa, includes Riya fhela, Mayana, Ludingedinge lwa Nyamakombele, and Deretere, and was released in 2025.