Honour for talented Tsonga artist MC Mabasa

LIMPOPO – Award-winning Tsonga traditional artist, MC Mabasa na Shigombe Sisters was recently awarded as a Xitsonga musical legend with Yi nhla Production supported by the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

The award ceremony was held at Gija Lifestyle in Malamulele in December.

“I take this opportunity to thank the national department and Yinhla Production for this award. I really appreciate it and I hope to receive more awards in future as my group, Shigombe Sisters and I are hard workers and dedicated people. I urged those who organise festivals and gigs to come forward and invite us,” MC Mabasa said.

They were awarded with a trophy and a cash prize as the best duo during the Xitsonga Music Awards in November 2022.

Mabasa furthermore said they were ready to pass on their singing and guitar skills to younger people so the tradition can remain alive.

MC Mabasa, better known as Risimati Morris Mabasa, was born and raised in Muswane village outside Malamulele and today boasts more than 30 albums.

He started singing in 1983 and recorded his first album, Makhelwane (neighbour) in 1990 after being inspired by Tsonga song veterans Elias Baloyi and Thomas Chauke.

“I have not looked back since. I recently released my 31st album in December.

“With my first album, I wanted to tell neighbours that they must live together peacefully, and not take what the sangomas (traditional healers) say about their neighbours as a token that they are bewitching you.”

He advises young people wishing to be artists, to firstly prioritise their education. “Without an education, they will not go anywhere in the industry.”

Besides himself, his group is composed of backing vocalists Shigombe Sisters – Alinah Mabasa, Ivy Baloyi, Nomsa Baloyi and Thandy Baloyi.

He has his own recording studio at his home in Muswane village and says aspiring singers can visit him to see the inside workings of a studio.