In an effort to spread the Vhavenda culture and bring together different nationalities, Venda men living in the Tshwane area have come together to form a tshikona dance group. Started in 2017 by Pastor Chris Mamedzi, the group is becoming one of the biggest cultural entertainers in the city of Tshwane. The group is also recruiting men from other cultural backgrounds to be part of their social-cohesion programme.

Dr Pfananani Masase from Ha Mashamba has published a book titled “Don’t Despair, Betrayal is Part of the Journey,” which delves into the inevitable reality of betrayal in people’s lives. This is Masase’s first book, launched in June. Through his writing, Masase aims to show that betrayal should not hinder a person’s progress or diminish their potential.

Back in 1978, Mbulaheni Joseph Matsiari and his friend Joe Mathonsi would take their guitars to football matches just to while away time and entertain local soccer fans. All along, the master and passionate bassist from Chavani village, not far from Elim, composed many songs just for the fun of it, without recording them. He always had a dream that one day he would release an album of his own, wherein he would capture these impromptu creations. The dream, however, kept on being elusive.

Jubilee Rivombo, a multi-award-winning author from Bungeni, launched her second book, titled “Beauty for Ashes”, on Sunday, 30 June. Through this book, she aims to address the often-neglected matter of mental health.

Musician and Tshivenda traditional-dance master Ms. Seani Matilda Makahane, better known as Vho Sei in the arts sphere, has taken it upon herself to ensure that Vhavenda culture is preserved and passed on to the younger generation.

“No disorder formed against me shall prosper.” This is the motto of Thomas Mashavha (59) from Midoroni village outside Louis Trichardt. Mashavha suffers from a speech disorder called malimi in Tshivenda, which causes him to pronounce words differently from the normal pronunciation.

When he launched his latest single, “Kha Dzhene Mu Africa” in April this year, the king of tshingondo (rhumba) music, Mu Africa Marko, promised his fans a full album. True to his word, Mu Africa has arrived with all guns blazing and released “Bvumo Volume 10” last week.

Phumudzo Mulaudzi from Hamasia, known by his stage name of “Trippie Dollar,” released a new hip-hop extended play (EP) album, Trapyano, last month.

All systems are up and running for this weekend’s Silala Music Festival Episode 1, with no expense being spared in preparation for the event. The much-awaited event will be hosted at the Berea Madzonga Resort in Niani, Zwigodini.

Local writer Mashudu Mbulaheni of Shakadza has published a children’s book titled “Talifhani,” aimed at guiding children to reach their full potential.

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.

Mulisa Malindi from Tshandama village began his journey into woodcarving with a deep admiration for skilled elderly men, including his father, Joseph Malindi, who could transform simple blocks of wood into beautiful artwork. Inspired by them, he took decided to learn the art of woodcarving.