‘Travelling Man’ Max-hoba brings tour to East London
Afro-soul singer back in a favourite place of his
AFRO-soul singer Max-hoba will bring his national Travelling Man tour to East London tomorrow.
Max-hoba launched the tour last month after releasing his latest album, also titled Travelling Man. This weekend, he will be at The Velvet Jazz Lounge.
The singer, real name Maxhoba Maponya, started his musical journey growing up in Welkom in the 1990s where his parents were working.
After completing his matric in the Free State, Maponya moved to East London and joined G2G, a group formed by Mdantsane businessman Koko Godlo. Brian Ndeva, a former SABC1 continuity presenter, was also a member.
Maponya’s hunger for the music industry saw him move to Johannesburg where he worked closely with talented South African artist HipHop Pantsula (HHP).
In 2008 Maponya decided to start working on his solo career and released his debut album, Making History, under his own company Maxhoba Entertainment.
At the time he was back in East London.
Since then Maponya said he had grown a lot and his sound was different now. Last year he released his single Grateful, which is featured on his latest album.
“Last year I spent a lot of time releasing singles because I was introducing people to my new music. The response I have been receiving from people has been amazing. They are loving the new sound.”
His new album was released late last month and launched in Johannesburg.
“People are buying the music. Stores are busy getting more albums – I am really grateful.”
Maponya said the album was about his journey, from his spiritual roots to his life.
“I’ve now accepted my ancestral calling and the role they play in my life. I’ve also been told that I need to be constantly in touch with my God. This album is about that and I hope people will hear the spiritual messages in each song.”
He said bringing his tour to East London was his way of paying respect to the city where it all started for him.
“I recorded my first album in East London and I had my first paying gig here, this is a special place in my life,” he said.
Maponya said he could not wait to share his new music with his East London supporters.
Local rapper Gunzo will also perform tomorrow. Tickets cost R120 and will be available at the door from 5pm. – poliswap@dispatch.co.za