AWARD-WINNING Xitsonga traditional musician Elias Baloyi received another boost at the weekend when chiefs, businessmen, traditional healers and other musicians celebrated his life.
Last year he received the best DVD award from Munghana Lonene FM.
At the launch of his 25th album, dubbed Xiseveseve Number 25 (Munhu), Baloyi, 70, was presented with a certificate and a trophy from a local security company.
Businessman Simon Mabunda, who represented security company director Piet Baloyi, said: "Your rags to riches story is inspiring. You grew up without parents and consistently produced good albums. You are the best."
Traditional leaders who were present included chiefs Isaac Nkanyane, Nwadzekudzeku and Mulima of the Mulima tribe in Venda.
They all hailed Baloyi, saying his music reached the grass roots.
Born at Wayeni under Chief Bungeni, his parents died while Baloyi was still very young.
As a result he was unable to attend school.
He grew up under the care of a Mr Phillips, who used to look after poor kids in the Elim area.
"I looked after his goats until I went to Johannesburg in the early 1950s to look for work," he said.
He cut his music teeth when he was taught to play fthe lute by the likes of Spokes Mashiane and Boy Masaka.
"I used to work with David Tekwane and others at Dorkay House," Baloyi said.
He has also worked as backing vocalist for a number of music bands
He broke into Xitsonga music in the early 1970s after he listened to the music of Xitsonga music founder Daniel Shirinda and another pioneer artist, Samson Mthombeni, on the radio.
Since then he has received many accolades, including the living legends' award.
Musicians led by the Xitsonga music founder Daniel Shirinda praised Baloyi for consistently playing his music for the sake of music and not for money.
Shirinda and other award-winning musicians such as Morris Mabasa, George Maluleke and William Makhubele of the HW Makhubele band attended the celebrations.
All but Makhubele performed and made speeches.
Baloyi said he was not aware that his people loved him.
"Now I know that other artists, traditional leaders, traditional healers and others appreciate what I do," he said.
Praise for top Xitsonga traditional musician
AWARD-WINNING Xitsonga traditional musician Elias Baloyi received another boost at the weekend when chiefs, businessmen, traditional healers and other musicians celebrated his life.
Last year he received the best DVD award from Munghana Lonene FM.
At the launch of his 25th album, dubbed Xiseveseve Number 25 (Munhu), Baloyi, 70, was presented with a certificate and a trophy from a local security company.
Businessman Simon Mabunda, who represented security company director Piet Baloyi, said: "Your rags to riches story is inspiring. You grew up without parents and consistently produced good albums. You are the best."
Traditional leaders who were present included chiefs Isaac Nkanyane, Nwadzekudzeku and Mulima of the Mulima tribe in Venda.
They all hailed Baloyi, saying his music reached the grass roots.
Born at Wayeni under Chief Bungeni, his parents died while Baloyi was still very young.
As a result he was unable to attend school.
He grew up under the care of a Mr Phillips, who used to look after poor kids in the Elim area.
"I looked after his goats until I went to Johannesburg in the early 1950s to look for work," he said.
He cut his music teeth when he was taught to play fthe lute by the likes of Spokes Mashiane and Boy Masaka.
"I used to work with David Tekwane and others at Dorkay House," Baloyi said.
He has also worked as backing vocalist for a number of music bands
He broke into Xitsonga music in the early 1970s after he listened to the music of Xitsonga music founder Daniel Shirinda and another pioneer artist, Samson Mthombeni, on the radio.
Since then he has received many accolades, including the living legends' award.
Musicians led by the Xitsonga music founder Daniel Shirinda praised Baloyi for consistently playing his music for the sake of music and not for money.
Shirinda and other award-winning musicians such as Morris Mabasa, George Maluleke and William Makhubele of the HW Makhubele band attended the celebrations.
All but Makhubele performed and made speeches.
Baloyi said he was not aware that his people loved him.
"Now I know that other artists, traditional leaders, traditional healers and others appreciate what I do," he said.
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