The Vhavenda Cultural Group's latest studio-recorded album, Sialala, is a package of musical delights, which has been prepared by some talented singers.
It comprises seven tracks, Hovhilingana, Skhumba ft Makhadzi, Sialala, Ngoma dza vhatei, Ndi do bva nda fhela, Kha vha nndwele, and Sialala (instrumental).
“The songs have been widely welcomed, especially Sialala, which speaks about the eternity of the culture,” said the group's manager, Mpho Miriri. “It encourages the youth to respect and embrace our culture.”
The purpose of the group is to compose, sing and promote Tshivenda cultural music and spread culture through music. “We further aim to keep young people in one place, out of the street, and for them not to forget their cultural roots,” Miriri said. “Most of our members are youths.”
Vhavenda Cultural Group first gained popularity with songs such as Tshanda Nguvhoni, Jojo, Vho Alilali, Ngoma dza vhatei and Thonifho. This group scooped up a Best Tshivenda Album Award in the South African Traditional Music Awards 2018 for the album Tshanda Nguvhoni.
“We also got nominated in the Tshivenda Music Awards that very year, which encouraged us,” Miriri said.
He had helped the group to be independent and establish their existence to be able to go on and record their music. The group started by performing in shopping complexes and public areas until they managed to record their album. Some of the group members have managed to record their own solo albums.
The group is made up of 10 members, who are Khuthi Mbulaheni (21), Shandu Magagula (23), Khuthadzo Mushaphi (25), Sedzani Matshusa (24), Sadam Mphumi (27), Thandi Mthewana (33), Rokunda Khuba (14), Fhulufhelo Magagula (23), Viera Mbedzi (33), and Trica Selala (39).
The group is going from strength to strength and was recently nominated for the South African Music Awards 2019 in the Best Traditional Group category.
Those interested in Vhavenda Cultural Group can phone Miriri on 073 944 8927.