Big Ropza and Ando are heading for the top

Two local musicians from Vhembe District received outstanding accolades for being the most prominent independent artists around Limpopo.

Big Ropza and Ando were awarded Silver Masters Discs by the Epic Water Park and Entertainment in Phalaborwa a fortnight ago.

Big Ropza, who resides in Lufule Two in the Thohoyandou area, said that the journey was not easy, as he had to put a lot of work and effort into every single day to ensure that he soared above the challenges and obstacles that might have prevented him from obtaining this milestone.

“I faced a lot of challenges,” he said, “but today I am able to stand in the open arena and say that I am glad that people are responding positively to my work. It inspires me to do more and give South Africa the music they deserve and the quality they deserve to hear or listen to.”

He said that the recognition he received was acknowledgement of his existence as a musician, and a sign that people were aware of his music and presence in the music industry. “The music and entertainment industry are not for the faint-hearted. It requires a lot of hard work and consistency,” he said. “This encourages me to work twice as hard as before, and it challenges me to explore outside of my comfort zone and the platforms where I usually perform and showcase my work.”

Ando, who was born Sedzani Petunia Ando Daswa, and comes from the Ha-Makhuvha village, is a singer-songwriter. She said she was very excited about the accolade. “Our industry is very challenging and hard work alone is not always enough. It takes creativity and courage to be listened to in South Africa,” she said. “Getting all this recognition is a start of something new. People are now aware that I exist, and I have a good feeling that South Africa is waiting to hear what I have next. Allow me to say we are just getting started. More is yet to come.”

Vocalist of the hit song Madimoni (Bad Vibes), Ando said that being recognised meant that what she was doing was good. “This is why we are dedicated to producing and releasing more hits and visuals,” she said.

Ando and Big Ropza are well known for their anthemic hit Ahuna Munwe (Only you), which still continues to get massive airplay at national radio stations.

They are available on various social media platforms.

Entertainment - Date: 13 November 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]