Local artist receives an award

Mandla Tshabalala, a Delville resident and upcoming artist, was awarded with the Best Kwaito Artist award in December, last year, at the South African Community Radio Awards (SACRA).

“Winning this award means a lot to me; it shows that I am growing in music,” said Tshabalala.

“I was among six other nominees, but I managed to bring it home.”

Tshabalala’s artistic nickname is “G-String” and his music career dates back to 2005, when he started as a backing vocalist.

In 2012, he released his first album, called “Try the best”, that features 12 tracks.

“My first album was not much of a success, as I wasn’t and still am not signed with any record label, so the recording of that album was independently done,” said Tshabalala.

The second album, “Kuyafiwa”, was released in 2013, with 15 tracks on it.

Tshabalala is also a business man; he owns a security company that is based in Germiston.

He told the GCN that not being signed with any record label, as an artist, is not easy, as the recording, marketing and promoting of the albums and the artist are costly.

“It’s not easy being on your own; to get your name out there and to launch yourself as a brand requires a lot of money, time and resources,” he explained.

“I am looking for a record label, though; I have sent out demos to a number of companies and I am hoping for positive feedback.”

Tshabalala intends performing in clubs in Katlehong and Germiston, and hopes to shoot a music video this year.

He added that he will continue sending his music to radio stations — community and commercial – and will organise interviews.

One of his goals for the year is for him to sign with a record label, as he is currently managing himself.

For more information, or to book a performance by G-String, contact him on 011 872-2078 or add him on Facebook- Gee String.