Joel Nnyi Thivhafuni left reggae fans disappointed and in suspense when he disappeared from the music scene shortly after releasing his debut and only 10-track EP, "Judge Not," in 2009.
According to music lovers, the album was of such pure reggae quality that it could match any international standard. For the past 13 years, fans had been wondering where this gifted artist could be and why he was not releasing music anymore.
After conducting a rigorous investigation, Limpopo Mirror finally tracked Thivhafuni down at his farm in Tshivhongweni village, outside Musina. With a big smile on his face, Thivhafuni explained why he made his abrupt exit from music all those years ago.
"My debut album was like a national anthem to reggae music lovers, who concurred that it was one of the best ever produced locally. Working with big names like Kenny Murabi, Ananias Begwa, Ephrain Masindi, Derick Makhesha, Constance Kwinda, and Nkhangweni Netshivhongweni made 'Judge Not' an irresistible listening piece to those with an ear for music. I then left my teaching job after 22 years and ventured into farming and a transport business. That is how I compromised my music career. I had to spend more time running my businesses," he said.
However, Thivhafuni revealed that he is in the process of uploading "Judge Not" onto digital music stores as demand for it still exists even after more than a decade.
Asked if he had any regrets about resigning from teaching, he replied: "Venturing into farming was the best decision I have ever made in my life. With a total of 68 permanent workers on my two farms, I'm happy that I am both contributing towards fighting unemployment and feeding the nation. I also have 70 seasonal workers that come during harvest time. My products are sold locally, nationally, and internationally. Farming gives me peace of mind as I know that I am contributing to fighting hunger in the global society."
Reggae lovers will be happy to know that, despite his busy schedule, Thivhafuni plans on returning to the studio to record his second album later this year.