Once in a while arrives an artist that manages to transcend colour‚ culture‚ language or bias. In my lifetime I can't think of a better example of this than Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala aka Mandoza.I grew up a white middle class kid‚ from a family who loved "black music".Motown RnB played in my house 24/7‚ but so did the South African greats like Ladysmith Black Mambazo‚ Lucky Dube‚ Bra Hugh and Stimela.I was fortunate enough to be taught that music is for everyone‚ and that no one can tell you what you should or shouldn't be listening to. But for many of my school friends it just wasn't the case.That all changed with the arrival of a signature Gabi Le Roux distorted organ bass line underneath the growling lyric…Nkalakatha!Within the first 3 seconds you were hooked and your body and soul just couldn't resist it. We all had that feeling. At a wedding‚ a sports match‚ a boring corporate event - that was the track that could set the room alight.Mandoza was that song‚ and that song was him...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.