Confidence Mkhabele (28) aims to inspire the youth to overcome abusive relationships and mentor them to become independent by focusing on their own talents and goals in life. This emerging motivational speaker and author from Muchipise village in Malamulele launched three books at the AFM Rock Foundation church last month.

After six years of travelling, intensive research and interviewing, Sydney Fetsie Maluleke has finally realised his dream to document the life of one of the most respected Xitsonga musicians of our time, Thomas Chauke*.

“A skilful hunter lived in a deep rural village with his three wives. He used to go to the bush to hunt khambas (tortoises), which he enjoyed alone without sharing them with his wives. One day, after returning from one of his hunting trips, he found that one of his khambas had been stolen and eaten. He confronted all his wives, who denied eating the khamba, and the man became very angry. He went to the local river and, over some days, made a thin bridge out of wood. He then took his wives along to cross the river. As they reached the middle of the river on the makeshift bridge, the wife who ate the khamba fell into the river and was swept away; her body was never recovered.”   

What happened to Vhembe’s tshingondo (rhumba) megastar, Jonah Moyo? This is the question that music lovers have been asking themselves for the past two years. The answer is that Moyo has been travelling around the world, making music with his band, the Devera Ngwena Jazz Band.

Popular hip-hop singer, Fhatuwani Dzhadzhi (27), fondly known as Queen Popoo, released her third 14-track album, called Ndo tshinyani? (What have I done?), on 5 May.

Gospel singer Ronewa Mukheli of Lwamondo outside Louis Trichardt has travelled a hard road to get where he is today. The 30-year-old gospel musician, better known as ‘Muloshi’, has three successful albums under his belt today, but this, he says, did not come overnight. He went through some real struggles before his music was even heard, so he knows about the challenges aspiring musicians are faced with. His own hardships to make it in the music industry convinced him to help others, so they do not have to go through the same ordeals.

Veteran reggae icon Colbert Mukwevho’s son, Junior Mukwevho, aka Kode La Mayor, is fast becoming a renowned musician in his own right. He is a raw Trap rapper, channelling his experiences into his music that lends a uniqueness to his sound.

At age 53, Azwindini Shirley Mudau from Mvuso Park in Thohoyandou is very proud to have finally published her first Tshivenda book of short stories, titled Naledzi Masase.

Ethel Ramalira, a resident at Mpheni Block B1 in Elim, has never been formally employed, but she has managed to raise her children and feed her family on the income she generates from making traditional outfits.

Ms Johanna Mudau of Mukondeni village has found solace in making clay pots. Not only does this trade allow her to be creative, but it also enables her to make a living for herself in a time when poverty is rife – especially in the rural areas.