Programme Director, DJ Sydney Baloyi,
Mopani Executive Mayor Comrade Joshua Matlou,
Councillors and politicians,
Radio General Executive, Mr Leslie Ntloko,
Acting Regional Executive, Leuba Ramakolo,
MLFM Station Manager, James Shikwambana,
Station Managers from ThobelaFM and PhalaphalaFM,
All presenters and DJs present here,
Legends and musicians,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Ri perile.
When the history of music and the Hall of Fame is finally inaugurated in this country, the Xitsonga music will be there. I say this because Xitsonga music has made such an impact in local and international music arena that it is difficult to ignore. Even to those who do not understand the language, cannot ignore, but sing along with the famous song, “Banani Xigubu”, song that receives popular play on all radio stations in the country.
Programme Director, there is a beautiful passage in a book called “Home of the Gentry”, by Ivan Tugenev, where the protagonist of the novel listens to a piece of music being played on the piano that touches him to the very depth of his soul. I will quote part of this passage, since it describes very eloquently the almost mystical power that music wields over the human mind, a power which I find fascinating.
“The sweet, passionate melody captivated his heart from the first note; it was full of radiance, full of tender throbbing of inspiration and happiness and beauty, continually growing and melting away; it rumoured of everything on earth that is dear and secret and sacred to mankind; it breathed of immortal sadness and it departed from the earth to die in the heavens.”
Programme Director, tonight belongs to the stars, it belongs to the legends. As activists, music played an effective role in motivating us as we fine-tuned our strategies to fight the enemy- apartheid.
The Music of Stimela as led by Ray Chikapa Phiri comes to mind. To us, Stimela represented the oppressed, and Stimela, aptly named, meant the struggle of our fathers in that snaking machine through the tunnels of Gauteng dropping them off to seek the elusive shining stones.
Many of us would remember songs like, Fire Passion and Ecstacy, Listen look and Decide as well as People don’t talk, Lets Talk and the most memorable tracks Whispers in the Deep, which was banned from playing on any SABC radio in the apartheid era.
Tonight we are looking into the future, but in order to do that we have to look back were we come from. That’s why Dr Thomas Chauke and the Xinyori Sisters come to our mind. This humble man, who talks less and plays his guitar more deserves awards such as these.
There can’t be any Thomas Chauke or Penny Penny if there is no General MD Shirinda. When Paul Simon invited Ray Phiri and General Shirinda to form part of his well know Graceland tour, it became clear that the world is opening to greater things. Who knew that the song, “I know, what I know” would become a world hit playing in all the Continents?
Programme Director, ndzalama ya rixaka has become a phenomenon in terms of promoting Xitsonga music. We are looking forward to “Hu Bvuma Yone Fhedzi and “Moshito o Tswela Pele” awards in the next few weeks. What pleases us with this Combo is that there is no competition but compliments. You are like triplets, who were born on different days, but share the same mother.
It will be nice to see greats like these, one day on the same stage, taking us back in time. The talent that defines Limpopo should be appreciated during times like Marula and Mapungubwe Festivals, which are our own festivals that celebrates our cultures. Of course you will find that in order to add a variety, we would add spices here and there of various artists from elsewhere.
Books have been written. Theses for Masters and Doctorate degrees have been researched and written about the music of SJ Khosa, General MD Shirinda, Dr Thomas Chauke, Penny Penny and many others. All these are testimonies of the riches that we have in the background of our vast province.
In closing, as you move up here to receive your award, know that you do it on behalf of the millions of listeners of not only Munghana Lo Nene, but of the different SABC Radio stations who play your music. The message you send therefore, let it be positive, building, and of love.
Maybe, just maybe, all of us would be able to sing with the late Paul Ndlovu and say; Hi ta famba moyeni nkatanga!
Hi Ndlovu ya hina! Na khensa!
