More than three decades after its formation, the Tshivenda traditional-music outfit Mudzinginyo Band continues to dish up authentic Tshivenda traditional music. The band was founded at Duvhuledza outside Thohoyandou in 1993.
Throughout the decades, they remained rooted in Tshivenda traditional music, producing hit after hit. The founding members of the group are Shandukani Neduvhuledza, Tshifhiwa Mudau, Phathutshedzo Thanyani, Venter Ralukukwe, Vhalinavho Thanyani, and the late Rihangwele Nangammbi.
They recorded their debut album, “Midzimu yo Lala”, in 2014, followed by “Vhathu Ri ya Fhela” in 2019. The album earned them a TSHIMA nomination the same year. This was followed by the single “Khorona” in 2020, and another single, “Thogomelani Vhabebi”, in 2022.
To celebrate their 31 years of existence, they released yet another single, “Mukwasha”, at the beginning of March. The new single was recorded at MIP Studio in Mpandoni.
“It has been a long journey, characterised by the ups and downs of the music industry. There was a time when the group nearly disbanded due to different work commitments, but the remaining members soldiered on. We are one of the oldest Tshivenda traditional music groups that continue to deliver meaningful lyrics in our mother tongue. We sing about topical issues that are entertaining and also educational,” said Neduvhuledza.
He added that their music had an impact on many lives. “We are truly celebrating in style through the release of ‘Mukwasha’. We are also celebrating the return of our founder bassist, Tshifhiwa Mudau, who rejoined us after a long absence. Plans for a full album are at an advanced stage,” he said.
