MBUYA MADHUVE GUIDES US: SASHA
HEIRESS apparent to the late Edna “Mbuya Madhuve” Chizema’s throne Sasha Lushomwa reckons mbira music is here to stay, writes Trust Khosa.
Sasha, who passed through the late mbira player’s tutelage, said she was guided by the departed diva in her career.
The energetic performer and spiritualist, who is enjoying rave reviews with her latest single titled Nehanda, said she started the year on a flier.
And having her song being made a challenge on social media, especially TikTok, has come as a plus to the phenomenal thumb piano and hand rattles player.
“I’m grateful to the Almighty and my ancestors for guiding me to continue with my calling as a mbira artiste.
“Each time I reflect on my career, I see the greatness and a bright future and as such, I have been releasing singles to keep my fans entertained during the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
“I have since recorded a number of singles namely 2-timer, Machinda, Madhunamutuna and Nehanda, which has been embraced by many.
“It feels good when fans embrace us as artistes because we sing for them and mbira music is here to stay, thanks to great pioneers like Mbuya Madhuve, who are guiding us from wherever they are,” she said.
Sasha, who recorded Madhunamutuna at Monolio Studios and Machinda at KOM Studios said it was a marvel working with revered producers.
Like most of her peers, Sasha conceded that she was not spared from the effects of Covid-19 since she lost her source of income.
“We are now living in difficult times since the lockdown was harsh on me, considering the fact that I used to I earn my living as a performing artiste and the stage had become my hunting ground.
“However, I managed to secure a few private gigs for family functions and I have been hiring out my PA system to make ends meet.
“Besides managing to bring food to the table, let me say I miss the stage a lot, the cheering make a huge a difference,” she said.
Prior to the lockdown, Sasha was unquestionably one of the most active divas along with Selmor Mtukudzi, Diana Samkange, Ammara Brown, Tamy Moyo and Ammi Jamanda.
Last year, she managed to do a number of online shows, as most players in the creative sector have departed from the norm.
Others have since diversified and tried other career paths to bring food to the table.
DJ Fresh and Euphonik say rape charges, which were laid by a Johannesburg woman, have been ‘dropped’.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that a decision not to prosecute was taken.
‘With regards to DJ Fresh and Euphonik matter, the docket was indeed presented to the prosecutor. Upon perusal of all available evidence in the docket, a decision not to prosecute was taken. There are no prospects of successful prosecution on the available evidence, because the evidence is insufficient,” said Mahanjana.
In a joint statement released on Monday evening, the duo said that the rape case was declined for prosecution. “We are pleased to state that after considering all of the evidence collected while investigating the claims made [sic] against us, the Chief Prosecutor has dismissed the allegations on the basis that the allegations are without merit,” the statement read.
“As we’ve said before, there are false allegations and we are deeply saddened that GBV, a serious crisis in South Africa, was weaponised in this manner. A huge thank you to all of our family, friends, supporters and to our legal team.”
This comes five days after DJ Fresh, real name Thato Sikwane, and Euphonik, real name
Themba Nkosi, had their radio station 94.7 contracts terminated.
“Primedia Broadcasting can confirm that, after careful consideration of the events of the last few weeks, the company has decided to release DJ Fresh and Euphonik from their contracts,” Primedia Broadcasting, that owns 94.7, 702, KFM, Cape Talk and EWN, stated in a short statement last Wednesday.
“Their last shows on 94.7 were aired on 15th January and 10th January 2021, respectively.”
Geraint Crwys-Williams, Interim CEO of Primedia Broadcasting, added: “This decision does not reflect a view on the veracity of any allegations against either Euphonik or Fresh. Rather it prioritises Primedia Broadcasting’s business imperatives. We believe that this decision is in the best interest of our company and our various stakeholders.”