Veteran singer wins award

The veteran singer, Ms Irene Mawela, won the National Living Treasure award during the National Heritage Council awards held at Kimberley last Friday.

“When I started music, I did not know it was to be my lifelong career. Here I am today; bagging awards which I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever achieve. This gives me more courage. I think this is a sign that I am doing a good job. I sing what is relevant to people’s lives, something that empowers them,” she said.

Throughout the years, Mawela has helped many up-and-coming artists to realize their dreams. One of her products is her son, Rudzani, also known as Bellefonte, who has gone on to win several awards.

Mawela said she owed her success to her supporters who never became tired of her music. “I wouldn’t have achieved this on my own, and I thank everyone who played a role in what I am today. It is also important to thank all who nominated me and the entire South African nation for standing behind me.”

Mawela launched her career some years back when she was still a learner at school in the 1950s. “Everyone was impressed by my talent and I decided to take it a step further.”

According to Mawela, the important move in her career came when she went to a studio to record her debut album in 1957. She then joined Dark City Sisters, Sweet Sixteen and Irene and Mahotella Queens and many more groups. “To be the best praise singer in the country makes me proud, but I will never allow fame to go to my head,” she said.

Mr Augustine Nethononda of 3RD Level Marketing and Media Group, who nominated Mawela, said that Mawela had been a pioneer in Tshivenda music and the use of the language. “She is arguably the first Tshivenda musician to spread a positive message, which helped to build a strong relationship between our communities and families. Her ingenuity can be seen in how she uses figures of speech to spread a positive message to the community and educate young people and the elderly,” said Nethononda.

Date:23 September 2017

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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