It’s about healing the core of yourself … and also you’re giving yourself room to grow and see all possibilities that are within you.” “I don’t think it’s about being the most famous sangoma and talking about spirituality as the current trend. Just as every individual has a different finger print, I have a unique story as to why I am going through what I am going through. “I do have a spiritual journey that I am taking, but it has more to do with all my gifts. ??❤️? “Khuphuka” ! /rQAsc0CIAvĬuloe explained that the picture he posted was a way of explaining to his fans what he is going through so that they can understand the journey he is on and respect the “rules and regulations” he had to follow. I did not know that there was anything special in me … I did not look at music as a form of healing.” “I’ve had people come to me saying that my music healed them from suicide and things like that … and at the time I was just operating from a talent point of view. “I always make fun of the story and say that that was the point where I was initiated,” he says jokingly. Shota closing his account for 2018 along with Steal Vybe on the abyssal ‘Memories’ (Ocha Records).Reflecting on his life growing up, the DJ says that when he was named uCulo Lethu, after he was first brought home, his grandfather placed him on an organ and would play music to him all the time and that’s when he feels he first accepted the calling. Meanwhile the connection with both his US producers and British label continues in 2018 with the release of ‘Smile’ featuring an additional remix courtesy of Manoo. This in addition to the intoxicating ‘Never Let You Go’, from Adam Rios‘ ’34 Vandam’ album. With ‘Never Give Up’ completing the list as of yet. Shota has received extra echo abroad with UK label Tribe Records licensing three of his songs. An album which has seen him collaborating with US producers Timmy Regisford, Adam Rios and Mark Francis. He created his own label – Shota Music – where he has released 4 albums so far, including the 2015 ‘Timeless’. But also Ladysmith Black Mambazo, “who were celebrated at home as well as overseas…” Speaking of his influences, he quotes Busi Mhlongo and the Soul Brothers. With Shota launching his solo career soon after. A cut standing among the highlights of Culoe De Song‘s ‘Elevation’ album back in 2011. Those of you familiar with our Facebook page might pretty much remember as to how we favorited ‘Yini Ngawe’. The three of them forming an Afro-Pop trio named SHANA ( Simply Hot And Naturally African) back in 1997. It’s during this period that he came to meet Nkosinathi Maphumulo and Thandukwazi Sikhosana. He eventually also worked as a voice lecturer at a college from Ntuzuma township. After matric, he enrolled at the Natal Technikon in Kwa-Zulu Natal for a diploma in music. Then to let us know about your feelings…īorn in Durban, RSA, Mnqobi Mdabe (aka Shota) grew up and went to school in Umata in the Eastern Cape.
Therefore, no need to say how I deeply suggest those of you who missed it back then to give it a listen. As a matter of fact, I just can’t help thinking how ‘Yini Ngawe’ generated a real fascination to me. Just the way he did as a matter of fact on this uplifting gem sung in what I understand as being Zulu and English.Īn unsung treasure from back at the time. A man with a natural talent to turn everything he sings into another dimension. The latter giving me the opportunity to discover a singer of a rare caliber. But also the overwhelming ‘Yini Ngawe’ (which means ‘what about you?’) featuring Shota. An album which features Ternielle Nelson‘s blowing ‘African Woman’. Culoe de Song‘s ‘Elevation’ album stands without a single doubt among the 2011 highlights.