Rhumba music lovers are in for a real treat this coming festive season as popular Tshivenda Rhumba musician Steven Maphangule, popularly known as Makuya and Mvelelo Express, finished recording another hot new album, titled Tshipfumi, last Saturday. The album will be officially released in Polokwane on 2 December.

Makuya (32), born and raised at Hamakuya Madamuni, is a full-time musician who, since entering the music industry professionally in 2011, has released four successful albums that have afforded him great popularity.

His latest offering was mixed, mastered, and recorded at TK Studios in Johannesburg. Makuya also worked with Tinashe Masiye (sound engineer), Tinyiko Matototo (project manager and producer), Friton Dube and Dickson Siwela on rhythm guitars, and Victor Matsilela on bass guitar.

Songs on the album to look out for include “Tshipfumi” (title track), “Rirhandzu”, “Mujolo”, and “Happy Birthday”, among others, which are already available on all digital platforms. Makuya says the album was done typical Makuya-style and that his fans can expect the usual intoxicating guitar riffs, complemented by good lyrics.

“All my compositions have messages and are worth listening to. The title track, “Tshipfumi”, is one of my best songs since I became a musician. It was inspired by people who accumulate wealth by the wrong means, like killing people. The song sends out a strong message to people as such that you might get rich, but you will never have peace. Let us all work hard and earn an honest living. I depend solely on music for survival. The little that I make is enough for me,” he said.

The band’s manager, Mr Ndwamato Tshisikule, said that the timing for this album could not have been better. “We want our fans to have something to dance about this festive season. This is a good Christmas treat for them,” he said.