ADVERTISEMENT:
Read: 1672
Jemson Hasani Novela (68), who goes by the stage name of Jerome Nhlalala Brothers, continues to make his artistic mark in the music industry, and this is seen in the release of his latest album, Ma Komba Ndlela.
A former high school teacher, Novela formed his group on 10 June 1979. He then recruited ten members from the Zion Christian Church where choral music is mostly sung. “We drew inspiration from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and we also sing without instruments,” he said.
When they started out in 1979, the Jerome Nhlalala Brothers would perform at weddings, family parties and even at funerals and only received a plate of food. “However, that had not discouraged us, as we had placed much value in the creation of good music and entertaining people and spreading the messages of love, hope and guidance via music,” he said.
The group was later recognised by Dr Thomas Chauke, who took them to Tusk Music studios in 1991, where they recorded their first album, Hi hanya kuvava Vol 1. More work from the group followed through the years, as they were billed to perform at various festivals and other music gigs.
The other albums from Jerome Nhlalala Brothers include Ma Africa, Swirilo, Swivilelo, Vuyisa Ndzhuti wa mina, Khombo ra Ndzilo, Rirhandzu, and Xisala Ndzhaku.
Novela said that music was one of the most important and powerful assets in his life and that his life without melodies and harmonies would be very empty. “Singing heals my soul and music can be used as an instrument of telling a story and can also be used to spread the word of God and to educate people about life in general,” he said.
He strongly believes that, through music, people can be made aware of how bad crime can be for society. “It’s just like when one composes a song on Covid-19; it carries both message and healing (entertainment) in that people would dance to the music and at the same time listening to the hope-filled lyrics,” he said
|
|
Tweet |
 |
Jemson Hasani Novela has been in the music industry for more than 41 years. Picture supplied.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT:
During a Sunday sermon, Bishop Johannes Muofhe of the World Mission Church’s Fondwe branch prophesied that a musician, someone other than a member of the worship team, would emerge from the church.
With a successful roots-reggae album titled “Shandukani” to his name, Fhatuwani Richard Mashele is quickly becoming a household name in South African music. Better known as Jah Saint in music circles, Mashele believes that success does not come overnight and that one must work hard to earn it.
Khathutshelo Dzaga from Thohoyandou Block G, known as Khathu within music circles, has captivated her fans with her latest song, “Muvhonetsheli”. The song is a collaboration with Uber Black and features Racha Kill. The song is in Khathu’s familiar style, often described as a mixture of amapiano and Afro-beat.
“Music should help address societal issues that are affecting the community,” says house musician Meshack Nemakhavhani, better known as Mesh De Vocalist. The musician from Tshaulu Buluni has released a new album, titled “Mbilu I Khombo”.
ADVERTISEMENT