Jerome Nhlalala Brothers continues to make his mark

Jemson Hasani Novela (68), who goes by the stage name of Jerome Nhlalala Brothers, continues to make his artistic mark in the music industry, and this is seen in the release of his latest album, Ma Komba Ndlela.

A former high school teacher, Novela formed his group on 10 June 1979. He then recruited ten members from the Zion Christian Church where choral music is mostly sung. “We drew inspiration from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and we also sing without instruments,” he said.

When they started out in 1979, the Jerome Nhlalala Brothers would perform at weddings, family parties and even at funerals and only received a plate of food. “However, that had not discouraged us, as we had placed much value in the creation of good music and entertaining people and spreading the messages of love, hope and guidance via music,” he said.

The group was later recognised by Dr Thomas Chauke, who took them to Tusk Music studios in 1991, where they recorded their first album, Hi hanya kuvava Vol 1. More work from the group followed through the years, as they were billed to perform at various festivals and other music gigs.

The other albums from Jerome Nhlalala Brothers include Ma Africa, Swirilo, Swivilelo, Vuyisa Ndzhuti wa mina, Khombo ra Ndzilo, Rirhandzu, and Xisala Ndzhaku.

Novela said that music was one of the most important and powerful assets in his life and that his life without melodies and harmonies would be very empty. “Singing heals my soul and music can be used as an instrument of telling a story and can also be used to spread the word of God and to educate people about life in general,” he said.

He strongly believes that, through music, people can be made aware of how bad crime can be for society. “It’s just like when one composes a song on Covid-19; it carries both message and healing (entertainment) in that people would dance to the music and at the same time listening to the hope-filled lyrics,” he said

Entertainment - Date: 06 August 2020

Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.

Email: [email protected]