The melodious chanting speed and the use of complex bass lines differentiate emerging Limpopo reggae sensation Jacky Nethomboni’s music from his fellow competitors.

Many people know him as Phusuphusu in Muvhango, the famous SABC 2 drama series. He is also famous for his role as Vhafunzi (Pastor) Manyunyu on Zwipopola zwa vhafunzi, a well-known Phalaphala FM drama.

An agricultural science, arts and culture teacher at Nngweni High School, outside Thohoyandou, the multiple-award-winning Jacky successfully alternates between his academic, musical, acting and family roles without compromising any of them. He is well respected for producing a 100% pass rate in Grade 12 agricultural science results for the past five years.

Jacky’s music is based on a rhythmic style characterized by sweet melodies and his hoarse but matching voice makes him the darling of all reggae music lovers across Limpopo. He commands huge respect in his home village of Tshisahulu, where he participates in different community-building initiatives.

Although his music is strongly influenced by traditional African rhythms, he makes sure that local people feel accommodated as he sings some of his songs in his indigenous language, Tshivenda.

He says this music genre, which was first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, started moving through his veins when he was still in primary school. “I used to listen to the music of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh and that is where I fell in love with reggae music. I then joined a family band which used to entertain local people at parties. After many years in the music industry, I decided to go to the studio – and the result was the release of my first album, Bako lo dzhena madi, in 1993. The response from the fans was overwhelming and the rest is now history.”

Jacky, who boasts five successful previous albums, could no longer withstand the pressure from his fans and went back to the studio to record his latest album, Kha ri phuse Life, which was released last month. “I’m happy that the album is receiving massive airplay on regional and national radio stations and my fans are supporting me. Like hot cakes, Kha ri phushe Life has so far sold more than 15 000 copies and it continues to be in great demand. I’m staging several shows to promote the album and it is well received by my fans.”

The 12-track album consists of songs that will automatically force reggae music maniacs to wear their dancing shoes non-stop. The tracks include Kha ri phushe Life, Love Forever, Tshinakaho, Play Reggae, Tshi a Penga, Under the Blood, Vhuyani, Culture, Kha vha rendwe, I found true Love, U fara chance andYo tangana.

About his latest offering, he proudly says: “I am the only and real Jacky, not a photocopy but the original; just test the sounds and feel how they taste. Great music, heh!” He says he passes his gratitude to all people who made him what he is today.