The 'King of AfroSynth' is still producing the right sounds

In 1980, popular musician Eric “King” Liphadzi got together with a few friends and formed a band. Although the group later disappeared from the scene, the self-proclaimed “King of AfroSynth” continued to release hit after hit, especially under the Mahoshi brand.

In 2021, Mahoshi released Tribute to Splash, an album that resonated globally, revitalising the AfroSynth genre. The album’s success led to over 1,500 vinyl orders from international DJs, cementing Mahoshi’s status on the world stage.

His latest album, Now or Never, released in 2023, achieved gold status in just six weeks, showcasing his continued dedication to innovation.

From humble beginnings in rural Venda to becoming a global force in music, Mahoshi’s story is one of passion and determination, inspiring countless fans across the world.

Born in the 1970s in Vuwani Dzwerani, Eric Liphadzi was exposed to music from an early age. By age 12, he was already playing instruments, and by 15, he was performing alongside South African legends such as Thomas Chauke and Roxley Masevhe.

His teenage years were filled with milestones, including composing a song for the National Song Festival at 17 and recording Lost Miami Boys at 19, produced by Chauke. These early successes paved the way for his future in music.

In 1990, Liphadzi’s career took a defining turn when he released Jekete Jekete, an album that went gold within six weeks.

Blending traditional African rhythms with modern synthesiser elements, Mahoshi crafted a sound that both honoured his roots and pushed the boundaries of African music. Working with legends lsuch as Ray Phiri, Rebecca Malope, and Mac Alex, Mahoshi honed his skills as both a producer and composer.

His work as a sound engineer on Shwele Baba further demonstrated his versatility. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of the 80s and 90s, Mahoshi’s music is often compared to that of Dan Tshanda and Peta Teanet, yet it remains uniquely his own.

"I am not bragging, but my nomination, along with live performances lined up both locally and internationally, shows that my future looks brighter than ever. As I continue to explore new creative avenues, I remain committed to celebrating African culture through my music, proving that my journey is far from over,” he said.

Date:18 October 2024

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.

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