SALUTE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MANDOZA

I once wrote; “Bonginkosi ‘Zola’ Dlamini is an important institution in my world...” 

No kidding, this is how significant an impact the guys (and Mshoza girl) from eZola, Soweto have made on me through their music. One of the most respected musical legends from eZola is of course Mduduzi Edmund Tshabalala. Many of us know him by his stage name - Mandoza.
The 38-year old Kwaito giant died a week ago. He features in this column today not only because he is an institution to many including myself but an IMPORTANT institution that even future generations need to learn about.
So dear parents…

Let me remind you of the simple definition of institution, according to Google; 1) An organisation founded for a religious, educational, professional or social purpose 2) An established law or practice.
If we were in Literature class and I was a Literature teacher we would be unpacking each of these words but we’re not in class and I’m not a Literature teacher like the poetic Mandoza. In fact, at the University of Mandoza, this icon is easily that professor who other professors want to consult and collaborate with.

I have never met or touched Mandoza, not even when I had the chance to some four years ago in Soweto at the launch of PRO’s Continua album. I held back from greeting him when our paths crossed face-to-face by the loo because that could have just ruined my fantasy of the enigma that I believe he is.

Imagine if he was rude or overly friendly to my greeting? Neither response would have cut it…instead I would have allowed a few seconds to ruin my over 10-year old fantasy, which began one hot afternoon thanks to ‘Play My Choice’ hosted by Bones Connexion – Swaziland’s radio DJ legend.

I will never forget the day.

Get up, Get it

When I heard Mandoza’s ‘Zoy’thola Kanjani?’ on the stereo I was in deep rural Swaziland and when I say deep rural it means this was before we had electricity at kaLanga and now we buy units with original Randelas baba! Anyway, I was waiting for Bones’ shaky voice to come on and tell us what this great song is and who this boys leven men was when I realised I was mistaken, the song was not done – the resumption of the song after that magical pause had my parents almost  drive me to Two Sticks fast…I was going bonkers… ‘What a time to be alive’…I thought…witnessing such delicious music!! And by WAITING for Bones I mean I was moving between houses, busy with something or the other, because in the rural areas you can’t just be NOT busy; and busy listening to the radio when it’s not even story time does not qualify as busy.

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