Dan still the boss at 50
Chippa Legodimo | Tuesday November 25, 2014 10:57
In his latest release Delele he has a self-praising song, Boza, in which he describes his formula for success.
Tshanda has sold gold and platinum with many of his records during the last three decades, and toured the world with his band.
His artistry has not earned him respect in southern Africa only, but has also endeared him to music lovers all over the world. He has performed in countries such as the United Kingdom, Nigeria and Japan.
The man who created the mega hit Peacock is without a doubt worthy of legend status. His latest album bears testimony that like good vintage wine, his music has matured with time. Venda born Tshanda who is also known to his legion of fans as the ‘Hit Machine’ seemed to lose his tune with his last album Xewani.
It was a lukewarm project from the famed producer, falling far shot of matching its predecessor Tolovela. The talented musician retreated a bit just to more steam and returned with a magical album.
With his latest release Delele he has managed to abate any fears that he may be losing his spark.
In the new album Tshanda retraced his steps in the music industry revisiting his 1995 album One Coma Five and Nesidande to come up with some mellow sounds that are bound to create a merrier festive season for mapantsula.
His traditional style of dividing songs into two parts of different tempos is prominent in tracks such as Suffering, Homeless and Vision.
His versatility is demonstrated in the soulful song Pain, which is an R&B track with heavy African drumming. It however also has dance in the Venda song Mudzunga, in which the musician decries jealousy demonstrated by his detractors. He indicates he is tired of such people but that he does not care about them anymore. When Tshanda celebrates his 50th birthday at the National Stadium on Saturday, the event would also signal a successful career spanning almost three decades.
The lavish bash is expected to boast performances by yesteryear disco stars like Om Alec Kgaoli, Mercy Phakela, Pat Shange, Freddy Gwala, Zizi Kongo and Cheek to Cheek should make the show a historical moment in the local showbiz.
These names might not ring bells for a young music follower but for those born before the 90s, these are music hotshots.
Cheek to Cheek led by Phumi Maduna, ruled the airwaves in the early 90s with hits such as Let me Live My Life. Freddy Gwala’s Amadamara remains a classic.