Local artist uses his life experience to uplift others
Thabang Maduna is using his talent to inspire and motivate others by sharing his life journey.
Geluksdal – Recovering addict Thabang Maduna is hoping his new music will inspire others to turn a new leaf in their lives.
The gospel artist has lived a turbulent life for years.
His destructive lifestyle started at 13 when he ran away from home to escape abuse and ended up living on the streets of Johannesburg.
He survived the streets through crime and drugs and was in and out of prison, But the music kept him going.
He said when he left home, he had no plan but had limited cash on him made from his performances and few changes of clothes.
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“I got off at MTN taxi rank and had no idea where to go or who to speak to.
“That’s where I met Vusi who was homeless.
“He showed me around and allowed me to occupy an abandoned building with him,” he explained.
Maduna rose to fame in primary school and started singing in church.
It wasn’t long after they formed a group that was getting bookings to perform that they were introduced to artist and member of popular group Boom Shaka, Theo Nhlengethwa.
Meeting Nhlengethwa opened doors for him in the music industry that led to him being offered a record deal at the age of 12.
Though his album was never released he got opportunities to perform at major musical events.
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“With the music, I travelled and met many industry giants at the time, and my career was booming.
“The only hump in my life was the abuse I was subjected to at home.
“It became too much and I couldn’t take it anymore – to a point that I failed Grade Eight.”
I started singing in saloons and taxis to fend for myself.
In 2010 he was arrested and sentenced to 11 years for robberies and served five of the sentence.
He was released on parole in August 2015 and was reunited with his family.
“I realised crime was taking me nowhere, joined local choirs and attended wellness courses. I decided to revive my solo career. That’s when I went back to the streets of Johannesburg and started singing at taxi ranks and saloons again.
“One day a guy who recognised my talent advised me to audition for the gospel group Spirit of Praise.
“I auditioned and made it to the finale and formally joined the group in 2016 on a two-year contract,” he stated.
In 2017 when the contract ended, he relapsed and sunk into depression.
His new single titled Kholo lwami was released on August 26 on all digital platforms.
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