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Popular praise singer Papa Thile. Photo supplied.
Entertainment Date: 18 October 2024
Popular praise singer, storyteller, musician, and entrepreneur Papa Thile said the double SATMA nomination he received is recognition of the highest order for his work.
Papa Thile, whose real name is Thilemelwi Arnold Nyamande from Makonde, already has seven albums to his name. He was nominated in the Best Tshivenḓa Artist and Best Traditional Praise Singer categories. Both nominations stem from his seventh offering, Gondo (Ḽa Vhanzhi).
“This means a lot to me as an artist. I never expected two nominations at once. This has lifted my spirits as I have always wanted to win this esteemed award, and I am hopeful this will happen this year. The nominations are a sign that the big walls that were a hindrance have collapsed. No one is going to stop me now. I have been a poet since my primary school days. The mere nomination gives credibility to my work,” he said.
Papa Thile said that his poetry contributed to the growth of the Tshivenda language. “I propagate clean language, and the awards will now expose me to the outside world. I am no longer confined to Venda only, as I am pitted alongside three top South African poets. Please vote for me, and with your support, I know I will bring back something,” he said.
His love of music started at a very young age when he would wake up and start making noise, playing his tin drums and guitar. It was only in 2001 that his mother, Vho Takalani, who was also an accomplished church singer and dancer, bought him a guitar. He became a local church band member from 2006 to 2009 and started recording demos in 2010. His debut album, Vho Lila Mmawe, was released in 2014 and went on to receive five nominations in the 2015 Tshivenda Music Awards.
His fourth album, Malamba, was voted Album of the Year in the 2020 Tshivenḓa Music Awards (TSHIMA).
To vote for him in the Best Traditional Praise Singer Awards, SMS 012SATMA19 to 32436, and for the Best Tshivenḓa Artist Awards, SMS 068SATMA19 to 32436.
Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.
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