A 28-year-old reggae singer, Ishmael Mudau, uses his voice to urge parents to look after their dependants.
“I hold the view that a man or woman only becomes a real parent when they look after their children,” said Mudau. “I have seen how children end up living in the streets or in dire poverty right in their homes because parents are failing to provide for them.”
Mudau, who hails from Lwamondo-Zwavhavhili, started singing at the age of 11 and only managed to record his first album, Diphineni, in 2012. “This album is filled with lyrics which encourage people to be joyful and live in peace,” he said. “Why should we hate one another? There is no need!”
His second offering, Ndi Ni Funa Nothe (I Love You All) ,came out late last year and was instantly nominated for a Tshivenda Music Award (best Tshivenda reggae album). “The nomination affirmed that I am a new voice worth listening to,” he said.
“I was inspired by the reggae greats such as Burning Spear, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Locally, I still look up to Khakhathi of Khakhathi and Friends, and Humbulani Ramagwedzha as my motivators. Vho-Ramagwedzha played a big role to nurture my music career by guiding me.”
About music, he said: “To me, music is a gift I've been given by God to deliver positive messages to the people. I respect my art; I don't take my gift of being a singer for granted.”
Mudau is currently based in Chiawelo, Gauteng. During our interview a fortnight ago, Mudau maintained that, after the release of his latest album, the response became so huge that he had to bring home more stock. “The response is positive. People are so much in love with all my albums.”
He added that his music is all about life-related issues such as HIV/Aids, teenage pregnancy and family matters. “Most of my messages are directed at the youth,” he said. “People can expect my new album by next year April. I also have a DVD for the album Diphineni and it is doing very well on the market.”
