Local artist Funanani Muhali, popularly known as “Dovey,” released his fifth album, titled “Stronger Man,” at the Mutshotsho Bar Lounge in Dzanani, Nzhelele, on Saturday, 9 December.
The 27-year-old singer from Haluvhimbi Vhuvumba, outside Thohoyandou, began his journey in the world of music back in 2009 when he joined the choir of his father’s church, the Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Tshivhilwi. In 2019, he won the King of VenRap award at the Tshivenda Music Awards (TSHIMA), but he disappeared from the music scene for years after that as he was still finishing his studies.
In July this year, Dovey released a single from his latest album, “Strong Man” (the title track), featuring Ras Canly. He mentioned that the full album had already been completed by August, but he was reluctant to release it right away, not knowing how his fans would receive it.
“Being out of circulation for so long sometimes makes you forget what the people like. I gave this album my all and want it to remind the people who Dovey is. I received many complaints from fans asking me why I am not releasing new music, and I told them I was still busy with my studies. So, this album serves as an apology to my fans for not giving them music for such a long time,” he said.
Like any other local musician, Dovey has his fair share of challenges when it comes to being an artist, such as the lack of a stable income. “Musicians like me have many creative ideas, but the main challenge is to find the finances to bring them to life. It is not that we are too lazy to promote our music to a wider audience; we just don’t always have the money for it,” he said.
Dovey’s music, including his latest project, is available on all digital platforms.