Kalambazo Section youngster (13) aims for world stage

A member of the Valla Band from Kalambazo Section in Tembisa, youthful Sibusiso Tshalabala has great ambitions. He hopes to perform music in a world stage and also to become a mechanical engineer.

Tshabalala, a Grade Eight learner at Zitikeni Secondary School, is a musician who started to play drums at the age of five.

Tshabalala (13) comes from a family of three and was in Grade Five when he was recruited by Mhlubi the Vocalist to join a group of youngsters in his band based at Kopanong Section, Tembisa.

But this relation with Mhlubi the Vocalist was short-lived as Sibusiso was recruited by his uncle, Sadsack ‘Jojo’ Tshabalala, to join his band.

Sibusiso said his uncle took him under his wing, and it was not long before he embarked on school concerts, performing all kind of musical genres.

“Last year we performed at the Winnie Mdikizela-Mandela memorial service at Shukumani Primary School.

“My uncle supported and stood by my side more than anyone in my family.

“I listen to all genres of music, and can play any songs from any genre by just listening to the tempo and rhythm, and that is why I believe I can play at any stage in the world,”said Sibusiso.

Sibusiso is also mentored by Oupa ‘King’ Kwasa who paints T-shirts for him.

“I saw passion in the young man so I started mentoring him. I am teaching him how to sing and how to do comedy.

“He spends most of his time at school, but he needs to know that the arts can make one a better person.

“My aim is to see him being better than me, do more than I did, enter auditions and win them.

Sibusiso said he would like to earn degree in mechanical engineering.

“After finishing matric, hopefully in flying colours, I would like to study mechanical engineering at the University of Pretoria.”