Madlela Sa��khobokhobo: Continuing a storytelling tradition

Bruce Ndlovu
For the past few months, Madlela Sa��khobokhobo has been the name on everyonea��s lips as his song, Ngamnanka, sets the pace on the charts in 2017.

While other artistes are still plotting how they will take the music industry by storm this year, Madlela already has his name on the board with the rib cracking hit that never fails to bring a smile to whoever listens to it.

While there is no denying that it is a catchy tune, what makes the song stand out is Madlelaa��s storytelling which many can relate to.

The release of the songa��s video in the last few weeks has only added to its popularity, as many marvel at the simple but hilarious tale of cat and mouse between a man and his adversary.

For some, Madlelaa��s hit is a reminder of the strong storytelling tradition in Zimbabwean music, a tradition that dates back to the days of the likes of Paul a�?Dr Lovea�? Matavire and Safirio a�?Mukadotaa�? Madzikatire.

Matavire and Mukadota were as much musicians as they were comedians, using the instrumental backdrop of their music to tell gripping everyday stories that always had a humorous twist.

This is a tradition that is not lost on man of the moment Madlela.

a�?I have always been a storyteller and this is reflected in all the other projects that I have done as an artiste. I have always wanted to tell unique stories that connect with people. My latest music is a continuation of that storytelling,a�? he said in an interview.

Madlela said although he had always been a keen writer, he was a reluctant singer. However, after his songwriting skills were rejected by many capable musicians, he had decided to take the bull by the horns and steer his own ship.

a�?I started composing at a very young age and I can compose music in any genre but initially I didna��t want to sing. I just wanted to write music for other people but was rejected by many musicians hence the route I took. I decided that it was better for me to sing my own compositions,a�? he said.

Madlela said that his hunger to tell stories was ignited by his mother back in his younger days. Sitting around the fire listening to his mothera��s songs, he was inspired to go for a career in music later on in his life.

a�?Musically I was influenced by my mother. I grew up in the rural areas and in the evenings when we were doing our prayers my mother would sing a lot and that activated the love for singing in me and I was inspired to pursue my talent. When I went to primary school I met a teacher called Ndlovu who was our choir master and he played a great role in nurturing my talent,a�? he said.

Madlela, who says he grew up listening to Chicco Thwala, Peta Teanet, Mbongeni Ngema and Don Gumbo among many others, said that the success of Ngamnanka had strengthened his desire to keep telling unique stories that people can identify with. He said despite earlier setbacks in his career, his latest hit had shown him that all the hard work, sweat and tears had not been for nothing.

a�?I somehow knew that if I keep pushing my dream will come true. It really did not come as a surprise because I somehow knew people are hungry for unique stories. I have been in the industry for a long time and I was just waiting for a breakthrough and for Goda��s time,a�? he said. .