Third hit album for Papa Thile

Like wine that matures with time, the music of Papa Thile is spreading as rapidly as wildfire in windy weather conditions.

Papa Thile, whose real name is Thilemelwi Arnold Mukwevho, has just released his third hit album, entitled Marubani Ashu.  He hails from the dusty streets of Makonde outside Thohoyandou and said that the album was a gift to all his fans who had been supporting him in his music career spanning for more than five years.

Famously known as Papa Thile by his adoring fans, the young and hardworking artist released his debut album, Vho lila mmawe, in 2016. This was followed by his second offering, Lwendo, last year. “I did not rush to release this album, because I wanted it to be mature. Good things come to those who wait. But waiting without hard work is like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Hence, the release of Marubini Ashu is a true reflection of hard work.”

Born in 1986 and the first-born of five children in the family, Papa Thile developed alove of music at a very young age. “We used to watch local reggae icon Shufflers Ragimana rehearsing in a half-built, one-room house many years ago and that inspired me to fall in love with music. I would go home and play my durumbaza (homemade guitar made of an old oil tin and rubber bands) because my single mother, who sold magwinya for survival, could not afford to buy me a guitar. I am happy that things have now changed for the better, and the rest is history.”

A keen marimba player and emerging businessman, Papa Thile advises young people who want to follow a music career to seek education first. “Besides playing music, I am a qualified architect and I have something to lean on if my music career is not doing well in future.”

Papa Thile’s album, which has sold more than 3 000 copies in two weeks, comprises 14 tracks. These are the title track Marubini Ashu, as well as U luvha a hu na mapone, Zwi do naka, Lufuno lwo tuwa na bada, Masindi wanga, Vhusiku vhuhulu, Dzuvha, Ndo humbula mmawe, Vivho, Miloro yashu, We are one, The shining one, O khakha fhi and Dzuvha (instrumental).

He collaborated with artists such as Tendy J, V Mashamba, Blessa and Ras Canly on some of the songs. The album is at present receiving massive airplay on Phalaphala FM and regional radio stations.

It is available at music shops, digital platforms and can be delivered to fans by speed courier. For bookings, music sales and public performances, Papa Thile can be phoned on 079 280 9398.

Entertainment - Date: 05 November 2018

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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