Mpho Regalo dominates the annual Tshima Awards

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     Music

The late Mpho Regalo dominated the third Tshivenda Annual awards held at Univen Stadium on Saturday night.  He won three awards, viz. the Tshivenda song of the year, best Tshivenda gospel artist and Tshivenda male artist. He died in a vehicle accident outside Louis Trichardt earlier this year.

Among the guests were Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi, Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi as well as several local chiefs. Members of the popular Venda soapie, Muvhango, also attended the event.

Veteran artist Vho-April “Blessar” Ramufhi won the Tshivenda traditional artist of the year, while the "wedding song king", Mashudu Nemakatoka, is the best Tshivenda dance artist of the year. Funie was named best Tshivenda female artist of the year. Thefhelimbilu and the Gazlami boys were crowned the best tshingondo artists, while Jah Soldier was rewarded as the best Tshivenda reggae artist.

The best Tshivenda hit single was recorded by Fizzy, while Blessa was voted as the best Tshivenda afrosoul contemporary artist of the year.

The founder and director of the Tshima awards, Mr Augustine Nethononda, said that government was contributing to the success of the event and was willing to partner similar initiatives. “We are all excited about it. It revives the culture and, of course, even the other languages that are here. Right now we are asking for assistance for the Xitsonga language. We as a department are humbled that the initiative came from the people themselves. It brings back culture, especially to the young ones,” says Deputy Minister Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi.

The artists won from R10 000 to R15 000 and trophies per category.
 

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.