The multi talented artist said in an interview with Arts & Culture that he started doing live performance in his early 20s. He stated that singing came as a gift for him because he was born with it and it is part of his genetic make-up.
The gifted performer said he has inherited his vocal cords from his late mother and singing just comes naturally to him.
His mother was described as the song bird in his village back in the early 1900s as she was known for leading traditional troopes with her sweet melodies. The 73-year-old indicated that even though he was born with his singing gift, he started learning how to use his self made guitar in his late teens. The great Chobe guitarist, as described by many, started encountering eye problems during the same period.
His biggest fear of becoming blind due to his eye sickness came into reality at the age of 20. He said that losing his sight and losing his parents a few years later has not been a cakewalk as he continued to encounter so many obstacles. Against the odds, the 73-year-old guitarist then enrolled at Pudulogong Rehabilitation and Development Trust for the Blind and ever since, there was no turning back as his music career was taking shape. During his tenure at the rehabilitation centre, he acquired more music related skills, carpentry and crafting to mention only a few.
“Ever since I left the centre, I have spent decades making a name for myself as a live performer in the tourism area. I have never worked a single day but music has been my solo career which sustained my livelihood,” he added. Monnatota has spent years doing live performances using his six string box guitar to local, regional and international tourists from as far as Europe, Asia and America.
The talented performer plays self composed songs which cover genres such as gospel, jazz, traditional and soul music. He said at some point when he realised that there was a demand for live performance, he started teaching people, especially the youth of the Chobe region on how to play a guitar free of charge. In spite of some people condemning him for offering his teachings for free, he continued because he was from a compassionate, loving and caring family.
He felt that he was continuing the generational noble deeds by his family who have played a critical role in supporting their community. “There is one principle I was taught by my parents, that is to start doing something good for others without expecting anything in return. When you practise that, there is a blessing ahead in your life,” he added.
Monnatota expressed gratitude to his wife and his beautiful children for their continued support. He described his wife as a selfless caring woman who showed him nothing but love despite his disabilities. The gifted singer stood strong that no matter the obstacles he encountered, he will never give up because of his family and love for music.
He urged people more especially those living with disabilities to keep fighting no matter how many hurdles life has to offer. He said they should use their talents and skills to make a living.
