Afro and R&B artist Vhuthu Tshisikule, better known as Osome Feyn, released an impressive four-track EP titled “Find Me Now” on 24 September. The EP weaves a captivating love story into the rhythms of Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and the soulful sounds of African drums.

Rhumba maestro Marko Clement Simbine, known by the stage name Mu Africa Marko and the More Fire Big Machine, has come a long way since the start of his music journey. Originally from Mozambique but now residing in Matsila village, the artist was drawn to music early in life.

Veteran musician Elelwani Julia Nemakhavhani from Makwarani, outside Thohoyandou, has been nominated for the Best Tshivenda Artist/Group award at the 2023 South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) for her song “Dambila”. The upcoming awards are to be held in Durban on 15 December.

The Vhembe-based rock/reggae band, The Natty Lions, led by Nndanduleni Elijah Dombo, also known as “The Lion Poet”, and Ndivhuwo “Zion Teacher” Mulugisi Mamafha, have just been nominated for Best Reggae Song at the 10^th annual South African Upcoming Music Awards (SAUMA). The nomination is for their song “Home Mount Zion”, from their album “Precious Mother”.

Pastor Lindelani Mashamba of the Lighthouse Church recently published her debut spiritually motivational book in English, titled “Waiting to Testify”.

Tshilamba-based cultural activist Ms Pfarelo Negondeni reiterated her previous assertion that a lack of financial support is one of the primary causes of the decline in cultural activities in the country at the moment.

The organisers of the Royal Heritage Festival once again hosted their annual workshop for artists from all around the Vhembe District at the Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre on Wednesday, 13 September. The aim of the workshop was to improve their skills and expand their understanding of the respective industries they work in.

Pastor Nicholas Mululuma’s dream was to become a nurse. He even went to college to study for it. However, fate had other plans for him. For the man from Ngwenani Ha Themeli, just outside Thohoyandou, life took a different turn when he formed a close association with the late international preacher, Pastor Irene Tshifhiwa, also known as Ramashia. This association would ultimately change the course of his life.

Local award-winning Xitsonga poet Hlayisani Shiburi secured second place among candidates from all nine provinces of South Africa in the Golden Shield Heritage Awards (GOSHA) 2023. The prestigious event took place at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town on Thursday, 14 September. She clinched the award in the Young Heritage Activist category.

Vhembe’s very own Munei Tsanwani was selected as one of the top 12 finalists for this year’s Miss World South Africa pageant.

Fans of the “King of VenRap,” Mizo Phyll, cannot stop singing the praises of his latest musical offering, a 14-track LP titled “It Was Written”, which was released on 12 September.

One of the best female musicians from the Vhembe region, Tshanduko Maano, or “Mazwale” as she is better known in the music industry, had more than 5,000 guests captivated for more than an hour when she performed at the opening jamboree of a popular funeral undertaker’s new offices in Tshipako village on Saturday, 16 September.