The elders of the Tshivenda music group, Adziambei Band, have warned that the new generation seems to be reluctant to preserve their indigenous music, which is full of African identity and wisdom. Luckily for them, some young musicians still care about traditional music. One such local “son-of-the-soil” artist is Joshua Tshikalange, who is taking Tshivenda traditional music to another level.
Tshikalange, who hails from Muhuyu village outside Thohoyandou, released his debut eight-track album, titled “Sialala”, at the beginning of April.
Tshikalange is not new in the entertainment industry. In January 2022, he was all over social-media platforms with his malende video clip of the song “Musadzi wa munwe ha ambiwi nae” (don’t dare to propose someone’s wife), which went viral. In the short video clip, Tshikalange was leading the song with friends in what seemed to be a social gathering.
He told Limpopo Mirror that after this video had started circulating, he had received countless calls from fans who had asked him to formalise his music. For this to materialize took two years. “I took long because I wanted to have a good first impression in the tough music industry, and the rest is now history,” he said.
Tshikalange is glad that his album was received well, both by fans and fellow musicians. “The support that I’m receiving is overwhelming, and this gives me courage to work hard in preparation for my future in this industry. I am also glad that the songs are receiving fair play on both national and regional radio stations.”
The songs on the album that have music lovers donning their dancing shoes include “Do pfa mungana”, “Ndi kha di lila”, “Thurwa”, and the title track “Sialala”. On the album, Tshikalange worked with Ishy Malala, the well-known Tshivenda Traditional Music Organisation producer, Vho Thivhafuni, Sara Makuya, Luambo Muvhango, and Esther Sinyegwe.
