Skillful mbila musician still going strong

Disability has never been a stumbling block for realizing the potential of 72-year-old Ntshengedzeni Mamphodo, who stays at Lwamondo-Tshivhale.

To the young and old, Mamphodo’s name is synonymous with the preservation of Venda tradition and culture through his skillful ability to play homemade mbila (a musical instrument made of a piece of wood and hammered nails to produce the desired sound).

Amazingly, he still uses the 54-year-old 22-piece mbila which he made himself in 1960. “As a sculptor who makes walking sticks and wooden spoons, it was easy for me to make my own mbila in 1960. During my spare time, I curve small items that I sell to local people to get some cash,” says Mamphodo.

Despite playing the traditional instrument for the past 54 years, Mamphodo, who never went to school, says he is disappointed that he is still poor. “I never get invited to public events to show my talent and make money. I understand why the majority of musicians die paupers across the world. Age is now against me and it seems I will go into my grave without being recognized by my community.”

To date, Mamphodo has recorded seven mbila music albums. “My first album was recorded at Gallo Recording Studios in Johannesburg in 1970. I was introduced to the studio by the versatile late Venda music producer, Naphtali Dali. I thought the breakthrough in 1970 would help to improve my life, but I was wrong because I have never enjoyed the fruits of my music career for over 50 years.  I now sell my music from home, but I’m prepared to venture into the professional industry if I can get people who can assist me to market my music accordingly.”

He explains how he ventured into the mbila music industry: “My late uncle, Thanyani Mamphodo, was a renowned mbila player way back in the fifties. He would scold and punish me for stealing his mbila while he was away working in the fields. One day in 1957, he returned early and found me playing nice tunes with his mbila and he finally gave me permission to play his mbila publicly. And the rest is now history.”

Those who would like get Mamphodo’s CDs or to assist him in marketing his music can phone him on 072 250 0637.

Date:06 November 2014

By: News Correspondent

Correspondent journalists from all over the region supply us with news and sport articles. 

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