Love is a journey

Elekanyani Nekhavhambe, known as Munangiwa Stepfather, has just released his debut solo reggae album, titled Lufuno ndi lwendo. Translated, it means ‘love is a journey’.

Munangiwa’s music is rooted in the cultural elements of the rural and urban lifestyle. He was born and initially raised in the forest known as Mushamba in Tshandama village. However, after heavy floods in the region in 2000, Munangiwa and his family relocated to another part of Tshandama, called Maladani. As is the custom of their culture and traditions, they survived by hunting animals and harvesting honeybees.

“My desire to become a musician started to take root during my high school years at Thengwe High School,” he said. “At the time, I was also a member of the worship choir at Tshandama New Covenant Christ and Apostolic Church.”

Munangiwa’s passion grew gradually and, as many musicians start off in a style similar to another artist, his gospel songs were performed in the style of Lufuno Dagada’s music. “There’s always something new to learn,” he said. “I keep learning from other artists like Khakhathi ‘Murida’ Tshisikule, and Colbert Mukwevho, who write great reggae songs.”

Having performed at numerous religious and wedding gatherings, he was encouraged by many people who thought he should record his own album, instead of just writing songs and singing them at social gatherings. But unfortunately, at that time, Munangiwa lacked the financial muscle to book studio time and record an album.

He finally saved some money from his job as an agricultural economist to support his music project but, as he was a full-time gospel singer at his church, he could not decide on a music genre for himself. “I then made the bold decision to devote more time to writing love songs and traditional songs,” he said. “My friend, Mr Dakalo Gangashe, pushed me to find a studio to record my music. So, in between March and December 2020, many rehearsals were conducted to put music together. And then the Covid-19 pandemic hit.”

But, at the end of the day, he managed to record and complete his album, to critical acclaim.

“What can I say? Timing is determined by God,” he said. “I’ve fallen in love with reggae music; with its healing, comforting, and motivating vibrations. Reggae has won my heart.”

Lufuno ndi lwendo comprises eight songs, including Vhutshilo a vhungo lata vhunyaga vho mukondeleli, Red-carpet ndi yawe babe, Ndi a ni funa (featuring Rofhiwa Magidi), and Lufuno lu vho hata and is available on CD and online music stores such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music.

“Lufuno ndi lwendo means ‘love is a journey’. During the journey with our loved ones, we realise that being together is what it is all about,” he said. “This album was inspired by personal experiences, as well as observation. I have experienced both the beauty and the pain of love.”

Munangiwa Stepfather can be reached via WhatsApp on Tel 072 636 2428 or [email protected].

Entertainment - Date: 15 August 2021

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]