Maduvha Netshakhuma, from the rural village of Makonde near Khubvi, prides herself on contributing positively to the preservation of the Vhavenda heritage and culture. At the age of just 20, she has started a cultural project called the Maduvhahafani Art Culture, through which she teaches young girls from her village the cultural norms of the Vhavenda people, traditional dances, and how to wear Tshivenda cultural attire, among many other things.

Four Grade 10 and 11 learners from Elim Senior Secondary School have once again proven their mettle by securing top positions at the 13^th Funda Mzantsi Championships, which were held in George in the Western Cape from 2 to 6 October.

Afro-beats and New Age reggae singer Zwavhudi Ngwana from Ravele, also known as Jah Chronick, stepped right into the spotlight with the release of his latest single, “African Lady”, last month. The song is a heartfelt tribute to African women – the divine mothers of all nations - and the many untold stories about their strength, resilience, and undeniable beauty.

Jerry Hadzhi from Murunwa launched his fourth book, titled “Lwendo lwa Lwendo,” in Biaba, Nzhelele, on 20 September. While he previously focused on poetry, his latest offering is a novel. The book tells the story of a young girl who endures significant hardships in life but never lets go of her will to survive and succeed. It serves as an encouragement to the younger generation, reminding them that, even when life is tough, they should not allow any situation to defeat them.

Acclaimed Idols singer Vhudie, the voice behind the chart-topping “Yoki Yoki”, has his sights set on winning an award at the upcoming South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards (SATMA). Vhudie, born Vhudihawe Mamphwe at Mulenzhe village, has been nominated in not one but two categories for this year’s prestigious awards, namely Best Tshivenda Artist and Best Afro Soul Song.

Mulalo Nenungwi, also known as Mulalo The Poet, left many established poets eating humble pie when he was nominated as the best traditional praise singer at the upcoming South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) for his poem “Mahaya Ashu”. The awards ceremony will be held in Durban on 15 December.

Legendary musician and cleric Bishop Roxley Masevhe is not only adept at composing great music; he also appears to be a talented writer. He has authored his own autobiography titled “Against All Odds, From Grass to Grace,” which was officially launched at the Balmy Resort in Dzwerani on 25 September. The book launch coincided with his 64^th birthday celebration.

The Makulane Cultural Group recently caught the eye of the media when they entertained guests during the Vhembe District Municipality’s imbizo at Mashambatshivhuyuni. Many readers wanted to know more about this vibrant group of youngsters and their trainers.

The winner of Musina Idols’s first season, Constance Nthabiseng Mavhandu from Nzhelele Tshirenzheni, said that winning the competition was a dream come true for her and it had already opened many doors.

On Wednesday, 27 September, the government of Flanders, in collaboration with Freedom Park, hosted a film screening of “Mutoli wa Nyimbo dza Tshivenda na Vhavenda Vho JK Mathoho,” a documentary on the extraordinary life of renowned local mbila musician Jutas Kanakana Mathoho, better known as Vho JK Mathoho. The screening took place at Freedom Park in Pretoria.

Phumudzo Rakhetha from Gaba has published a new Tshivenda/English dictionary for learners from Grade 1 to 7, titled “Tshedza”. The book, which was launched last week, was compiled in collaboration with Prof Mudzulathungo Mmbi (a language expert), Mr Domina Muzhelele (an advisor, typesetter, and designer), and Mr Maitela Nevhutalu (general overseer). Aimed at expanding young people’s vocabulary, the book will be used at various primary schools and crèches around Vhembe.

For years, Litshani Khorommbi, together with Shudu Tshisiilule and famous Xitsonga musician DJ Khwaya, produced massive traditional Xitsonga hits such as “Choza” and “Makhelwane”. They toured the length and breadth of the country to entertain their hordes of fans, and between 2012 and 2018, produced three albums together.