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Mandoza’s son misses the cut as Top 8 of music competition is announced
The competition encouraged aspiring musos to upload a 60 second video of their music on their socials.
Mandoza’s son, Tumelo Tshabalala, is a rap artist. Picture:@TumeloT20934818/Twitter
After introducing himself as a muso through music competition MTNPulse Virals, Mandoza’s son Tumelo Tshabalala missed out on making the Top 8 shortlist.
“After going through more than 200 submissions, we are pleased to announce the Top 8 that will be part of Season 1 of #MTNPulseVirals TV show on Channel O,” averred a statement on Slikour On Life.
The competition encouraged aspiring musos to upload a 60 second video of their music on their socials, accompanied by a 30 second video showing off their personality and then tagging Slikour on Life and the network provider, using the hashtag MTNPulseVirals.
“My name is Tumelo Tshabalala, I go by the name of Harry, I’m a rapper slash producer from Soweto. I’ve got an album out called Soweto’s Weapon, it’s on all digital streaming platforms,” said Tshabalala introducing himself on social media.
His father, born Mduduzi Tshabalala, Mandoza was a Kwaito pioneer, who passed away in September 2016 after succumbing to brain tumour cancer. He will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this weekend’s South African Music Awards (Samas).
All the best to MANDOZA's son, Tumelo Tshabalala aka HARRY. He's just dropped his first album Soweto's Weapon and is entering the @slikouron @MTNza #MTNPulseVirals reality show. The apple really didn't fall far from the tree…Please RT for support 👊🏿🙏🏿 @TumeloT20934818 pic.twitter.com/SvwlyxXutF
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) November 10, 2023
“We looked at buzz: online presence, track record, x-factor, quality of music… and exercised discretion in some cases and went with our gut feeling. There were too many dope submissions (y’all are super talented!), if you didn’t make it this time, let’s link up in Season 2,” concluded the statement.
The chosen artists are Scumie, Phiwo, Mtwana, Mikhalé Jones, Lee-Soulaé, Jemapelle James, Cheryl Zondi and Ayloworldwide.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Mandoza’s son introduces himself to the industry in music talent competition
Carving his own lane
Tshabalala, who goes by the moniker Harry, released his album Soweto’s Weapon last month.
“It’s been a hell of a journey putting this body of sonic work together, more than anything I think it’s a story of everyone who helped put this together, created to inspire growth in the average individual where we come from. This album is proof that Soweto will never die,” said Tshabalala in an Instagram post.
Tumelo, was part of BET’s biopic based on his father’s life titled, Nkalakatha: the Life of Mandoza. He played the character of Tokollo, who is his older brother.
“It doesn’t feel real, it just feels like another dream that I’ve been waking up to every single day,” said Tumelo when asked how it felt to have his dad’s life depicted.
