After an absence of almost 17 years without recording any new music, legendary Tshivenda and gospel music artist Wilber Mudau is back with a bang. On Tuesday, 24 September, he released his much-anticipated Zionist gospel single, Caterpillar.
The new single was recorded at Maambelanduni Studios in Maniini, which is owned by veteran guitar wizard and popular musician Sam Sandani.
Mudau's last album, Mahwaihwai, was released in 2007, but thereafter he vanished from the active music scene. After several inquiries from his die-hard fans, Limpopo Mirror went all out searching for him and fortunately caught up with him at his home in Miluwani, Thohoyandou.
"I have not been lost to this industry. I have been promoting music at my usual spot, but age has caught up with me," said the 75-year-old artist. He explained that he had asked his children to continue with the business.
The changes over the past decade in the music industry have, however, been disastrous for artists such as Wilber Mudau. He complained that music pirates had nearly destroyed the industry. "We used to sell lots of cassettes and then CDs, but the pirates sold our music for next to nothing, and many of our members quit the industry as a result," he said.
Mudau added that it was impossible for him to quit the industry as music lived within him. "As I speak now, I have a single, Caterpillar, and it is out already," he said. He stated that he was back to reclaim his top spot and that the new single marked the revival of his career. "I cannot forget to mention producer and studio owner Sam Sandani, who rediscovered me. Together, we are planning a full album before the end of the year," he said.
Asked about his latest single, Mudau said that the name explained it all. Just like a bulldozer (Caterpillar), he will push ahead and demolish anything that stands in his way. "The single is a warning to mostly the youth who are being swept away by the ills of this world and end up in trouble and even death. I am warning them to stay clear of these ills, as we need them as our future leaders," Mudau said.
His music can still only be found at his makeshift stall in Thohoyandou. Plans are underway to make it available on USB and on digital platforms.