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Four decades of good music

MARVELLOUS MUSICIANS: Dorothy Masuku, Mara Louw, Tshepo Tshola and Abigail Kubheka during the Soweto Hotel's fifth anniversary celebration. PHOTO MABUTI KALI
MARVELLOUS MUSICIANS: Dorothy Masuku, Mara Louw, Tshepo Tshola and Abigail Kubheka during the Soweto Hotel's fifth anniversary celebration. PHOTO MABUTI KALI

Even before seasoned musician Tshepo Tshola captivates you with his blend of gospel music in jazz sound, you like the manner in which he expresses himself.

When he belts out those hymns it makes you long to be closer to God.

From the days of Sankomota to his sterling solo career, Tshola has more than 40 years of musical experience.

Sowetan caught up with him at the Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre in Kliptown, Gauteng, to talk about his coming ninth offering that will be released in a month's time through Tumi Mokoena's TMP productions.

As we talk about his life and music, the veteran musician answers very carefully. He thinks before answering a question.

Unlike many musicians who rush to release an album yearly, Tshola takes his time. His last album was released three years ago.

"If you rush into releasing albums your creativity will be strained. It's all about creating good music and releasing it at the right time. If you rush to release every year, you might not be ready, but do it because you have to release," he says.

For his coming CD Tshola assembled a team of good musicians, including a 24-year-old musician known as Mpumi Dhlamini. He says the new kid on the block is a multi-talented musician who plays 16 instruments.

The musician, who regards his musical style as genderless, says he talks through his songs.

"Every song I write has a message. The young man who is producing the album also wrote some great songs. I find it difficult to say I am writing a hit, but I do get excited when I'm in the studio," the Lesotho-born musician says.

The gravel-voiced musician believes music is not about competition, but about complementing otherartists. He says that those who compete are in the wrong profession.

"I don't compete with anyone. Music is about harmony," he says.

Asked about the future of South Africa's music industry, Tshola says: "It is difficult for me to judge whether music is going forward or backwards.

"I also get confused. I have children who love music. Some are into hip-hop and they make beautiful music.

"I have started preparations for a collaboration with my two sons.

"As a musician, you do not create a monotonous sound that does not inspire people. I believe that there is a lot of musical awareness. Many more people are singing now."

He says the secret to success is hard work and musicians need to concentrate on what they do and to respect their profession.

In his long and successful career Tshola has collaborated with many musicians, including the late Brenda Fassie, Thandeka Powers, Hugh Masekela and Thandiswa Mazwai.

When Tshola is not travelling or performing, he enjoys spending time in his kitchen, where he experiments with new recipes.

Next year Tshola plans to release his first DVD and also a documentary that will be screened on television on a channel that has yet to be decided.

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