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Award-winning Tsonga traditional artist Risimati Morris Mabasa, popularly known as MC Mabasa, was recently honoured by Yi nhla Production, supported by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, for his significant contribution to the Tsonga music industry over the past few decades. The function took place at Gija Lifestyle Pub and Grill in Malamulele on 23 December.
Mabasa, born and raised in Muswane village in Malamulele, is the leading member of renowned Tsonga band the Shigombe Sisters. He began singing in 1983, drawing inspiration from veteran Tsonga musicians Elias Baloyi and Thomas Chauke. In 1990, he established his band, the Shigombe Sisters, and they recorded their first album, “Makhelwane” (Neighbour), in the same year. In November 2022, he and his band received the award for Best Duo Group during the Xitsonga Music Awards. The band has released 31 albums to date, with their latest album, titled “Joni a yi na nwinyi,” issued at the end of 2023.
Expressing gratitude for the recent recognition, Mabasa stated that since the beginning of his music career in 1983, he had never looked back. He expressed appreciation for being acknowledged as one of the legendary local artists of their time. Mabasa conveyed his thanks to the department and Yi nhla Production for presenting him with the Certificate of Honour, emphasising the hard work he and his band have put into contributing to Tsonga music.
Mabasa said that he would love to pass on traditional Tsonga singing and guitar-playing skills to young people, ensuring that Tsonga culture and traditions are preserved. He mentioned having his recording studio at his home in Muswane village and extended an invitation to aspiring young singers to visit and learn about the workings of a studio.
Offering advice to young people aspiring to become artists, Mabasa emphasised the importance of obtaining a proper education, stating that success in the industry was challenging without it.
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MC Mabasa, leader of the Shigombe Sisters band, shows off the award they had won at the Xitsonga Music Awards in 2022 and the Certificate of Honour he received recently for his contribution to the Tsonga music industry over the past few decades. Photo supplied.
By: Silas Nduvheni
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