The winner of the first annual Muphirimia Foundation Disabled Music Talent Search, Mr Dakalo Mukwevho, says winning the competition has opened doors for him to a brighter career in music. The 30-year-old blind singer from Lufule outside Thohoyandou became the judges’ favourite during the auditions held at the Camp of Armies Church at Maniini on Sunday.

The competition, the brainchild of disabled SABC Phalaphala FM presenter Mr Humbulani Nengovhela aims to unearth and nurture music talent among the disabled in Vhembe. Quite a sizeable number of very talented contestants entered for the event. Among the esteemed guests were Musina Municipality Spokesperson Wilson Dzebu, who is also a musician of note, and comedian Vhonani Magidi.

As winner of the competition, Mukwevho won R1,000 and a music recording deal sponsored by Mphagani Recording Studio at Muledane. As part of the deal, the company has started working on his new album, which is expected to be released in November this year.

"As disabled musicians doing gospel, we are always overlooked when it comes to contracts and deals. Muphirimia Foundation and Mphagani Recording Studios came as an answer to my prayers. I now have a recording deal and will soon see my dreams at long last becoming a reality,” said Mukwevho.

The founder of the talent search, Mr Nengovhela of Muphirimia Foundation, was beaming with excitement. “This is our first try, and looking at how things have gone leaves me with so much hope that the next event will be much better. We have already started with the preparations for the next auditions which will be more improved and appetising,” he said.