“Captain Mashele” sings about the things that affect us daily

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Xitsonga traditional music maestro Mashele Autley Maluleke, known as Captain Mashele, delights in his ability to deliver messages in a variety of languages through music.

A resident at Majosi village, the 34-year-old singer discovered his talent for music at the age of nine when he was a pupil at Khapakhapa Primary School. His singing abilities saw him representing his school during singing competitions both at circuit and district level.

“Our household used to play more Xitsonga music than other genres, and every time they played music, I used to sing along, exactly like the artist,” he said. “My family enjoyed how I sang along with the songs playing on the music system. As I grew up, I realised that I was musically talented.”

“What I know is that music is life, and in life, we experience many things from many people,” he said. “I sing about what is happening in everyday life. I don’t forget the entertainment element of music, though. Again, I understand music can reduce crime by keeping young people busy in roles like lead singers, dancers, and playing instruments.”

He was mentored by Ntsako Matsimbi, who even took the initiative of financially sponsoring his music endeavours between 2013 and 2015. “He restored my trust in my talent, even though things were not that easy then,” he said. “It’s funny how we met, though. I saw him at the Marlboro Sasol filling station where he was playing my song, Boti Madyisa (from the Boerewors album). I asked him who was singing the song, and he said he did not know the artist. I told him it was me. With a hint of shock on his face, he finally believed me.”

Matsimbi learnt about Captain Mashele’s personal difficulties along his musical journey and he then promised to sponsor him. “From that very moment, it boosted my confidence and talent,” Captain Mashele said. More people, such as Pastor Goodwill Mayimele and Charles Mathebani Vhilopho, also stepped forward to sponsor him.

He said that he drew inspiration from great artists such as Dr Thomas Chauke, Peter Hlungwani and the late Matswa Bemuda. “These are legends of Xitsonga music, and I love the messages that come with their songs,” he said. “I also draw my inspiration from General Muzka. As an artist, I believe I still have a lot to learn from others, and that is why I believe in sharing my music with other artists. I will be happy if one day I can collaborate with Dr Thomas Chauke, General Muzka or other big names in our genre.”

Through the years, he has released five full-length albums that were all well received in the market. They are Yisukile ya Matsonga, Boerewors, Ntsako wa Moya, Ya Xivanga, and Mabvadleka.                                         

“We are artists, but we need our communities to support us for us to continue sharing the gospel,” he said. “Buy our music, assist financially if you can, or help link us with relevant institutions to jumpstart our talents.”

For any bookings or interviews, please contact Amukelani LeGooooodOne Maluleke on 072 592 9897 or [email protected].

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.