Given Mama's Boy still entertains his fans

The little village of Tshitavha-Pfananani Mazuwa in the Nzhelele Vhulaudzi area is beaming with pride as one of their sons, Tshifhiwa Given Mafhala, continues to fly their flag high in the entertainment world. Popularly known as Given Mama’s Boy in the music industry, Mafhala became an instant household name in the Afro-pop and RNB music circles.

Inspired by the music of Ramzee and Takalani Mudau, Mafhala sings from the heart, teaching his fans practical life lessons. “I sing about what is happening in our lives every day. That is why it is easier for fans to relate and connect with my music because they know exactly what I’m talking about. When you sing about real-life experiences, you bond with your fans because you talk to them about something that they know,” he said.

Mafhala has previously released four other albums between 2018 and 2021, called Ndi mulisa wanga, Ndi iwe, Kondelelani and Ndi khou swika. His two most recent hit singles, Ndi ya vhaisala and No funwa, are still making waves on local and national airwaves. “There is nothing more fulfilling than listening to your songs being played on national radio along with other big names in the music industry. I think it is important to also acknowledge and thank the local community radio stations for the role they are playing in promoting my music. I get a lot of calls from happy fans telling me that they enjoy listening to my music on the radio,” he says.

Mafhala, who sings in both Tshivenda and English, says mixing languages to also cater for those who do not understand indigenous languages is important. “With the use of technology and social media, my music circulates worldwide, so it is important to cater for fans in other parts of the globe. However, my music is predominately sung in Tshivenda because I am proud of my mother tongue.”

The 38-year-old musician says that, although he sings Afro pop and RNB, he has not deserted his religious roots and being a Christian. “After all, I started out singing gospel as a choir member at the local Nzumbululo church. This was where I discovered my singing talent. I still love gospel music, but I enjoy what I’m doing now because I feel at peace when I sing Afro pop and RnB.”

Entertainment - Date: 12 March 2022

Email: