Young talent rocks both fashion and music

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Elekanyani Madima, known as Element, is a multitalented hustler in the streets of Thohoyandou – he is currently dabbling in music and brand clothing.

A resident at Thohoyandou Unit E and Block G, Element has just composed his first track, Be Happy, with Randy De Deep, featuring Rofhiwa Nesamvuni.

“This is an Afro-house song that is set to drop this winter and will be available on different online digital distribution platforms,” he said.  

He made his entry into the music industry at the tender age of 17, when he worked as a DJ at Univen FM. “At that time, I was still at high school,” he said. “As a radio DJ, I had an opportunity to meet different people from all walks of life, and those encounters had opened a variety of doors for me socially speaking.”

So far, he has worked with Makhadzi on the Ndi zwavhudi and Manyalo Project. He draws inspiration from many artists and role models, such as Rita Dee, Sabc Livhu, Lawrence “Killer B” Netshifhefhe, Fistos Valley, Dj-Lagugga, G-voice, BlackPearlvee, Mizo Phyll, Percy The Postman, Nico Dermic, Ras Canly, Bomo unlimited, Tendamudzimu “Jeffboo the designer” Mathivha, Vohni, Phophi Mudau,  Maitewawe, and Thifhe Sliq.

Besides his involvement in the music industry, Element launched his clothing brand, REAL ELEMENT, in 2019. He emphasised the connection between fashion and music. “I am currently studying clothing production at the Vhembe TVET College with my brand and selling my products directly to clients in the street," he said.

“Be Happy comes at the right time when the world is facing the COVID-19 pandemic and I believe it will give hope to those who are affected and those have lost their loved ones to the scourge,” he said. “As a province, God is still with us and He will deliver us from this.”

He is available on Facebook and he can be reached on 081 342 0362. “I've been working hard during this lockdown, both as a singer and a fashion designer, and the results are awesome,” he said.

By: Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.