New tune for drop-out

2008-09-26 13:58

Silas Nduvheni

Thohoyandou - Six years ago, Ntshengedzeni Maligana dropped out in Grade 10 because he was always in trouble for bunking school to attend music shows.

Today, Maligana, 23, who comes from Mufulwi village near Mutale near Thohoyandou in Limpopo, is an accomplished base guitarist and singer who released his first CD, Lufuno, in August. It celebrates Zwingondo dance music.

"In the past month, I have already sold 200 copies. People like my music because I sing about what is happening in day-to-day life," said Maligana.

He says his parents and former schoolmates at Matavhela Secondary School were convinced he'd end up begging for a living because he wouldn't be able to find a job without a matric certificate.

He says that he had put his God-given talent to use and is able to support his wife and child.

Learnt to play guitar

Maligana learnt to play the guitar when he joined Colbert Nyatheli and the Beggars Band in Mufulwi in 2002.

He played base guitar and was also a backing vocalist.

He went on to play at the same gigs as other Zwingondo musicians like Tshigondo and Joseph Mbiza, also known as Zozo.

He has also played with Zozo on tour and recorded CDs such as Mutsho (2006) and Pfanelo (2007) with him in Zimbabwe.

It was Zozo who encouraged him to release his own album.

"I hope to shoot a music DVD soon," said Maligana.

- African Eye