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By Bonginkosi Tiwane

Lifestyle Journalist


Mandoza’s son misses the cut as Top 8 of music competition is announced

The competition encouraged aspiring musos to upload a 60 second video of their music on their socials.


After introducing himself as a muso through music competition MTNPulse Virals, Mandoza’s son Tumelo Tshabalala missed out on making the Top 8 shortlist.

“After going through more than 200 submissions, we are pleased to announce the Top 8 that will be part of Season 1 of #MTNPulseVirals TV show on Channel O,” averred a statement on Slikour On Life.

The competition encouraged aspiring musos to upload a 60 second video of their music on their socials, accompanied by a 30 second video showing off their personality and then tagging Slikour on Life and the network provider, using the hashtag MTNPulseVirals.

“My name is Tumelo Tshabalala, I go by the name of Harry, I’m a rapper slash producer from Soweto. I’ve got an album out called Soweto’s Weapon, it’s on all digital streaming platforms,” said Tshabalala introducing himself on social media.

His father, born Mduduzi Tshabalala, Mandoza was a Kwaito pioneer, who passed away in September 2016 after succumbing to brain tumour cancer. He will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at this weekend’s South African Music Awards (Samas).

“We looked at buzz: online presence, track record, x-factor, quality of music… and exercised discretion in some cases and went with our gut feeling. There were too many dope submissions (y’all are super talented!), if you didn’t make it this time, let’s link up in Season 2,” concluded the statement.

The chosen artists are Scumie, Phiwo, Mtwana, Mikhalé Jones, Lee-Soulaé, Jemapelle James, Cheryl Zondi and Ayloworldwide.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Mandoza’s son introduces himself to the industry in music talent competition

Carving his own lane

Tshabalala, who goes by the moniker Harry, released his album Soweto’s Weapon last month.  

“It’s been a hell of a journey putting this body of sonic work together, more than anything I think it’s a story of everyone who helped put this together, created to inspire growth in the average individual where we come from. This album is proof that Soweto will never die,” said Tshabalala in an Instagram post.

Tumelo, was part of BET’s biopic based on his father’s life titled, Nkalakatha: the Life of Mandoza. He played the character of Tokollo, who is his older brother.

“It doesn’t feel real, it just feels like another dream that I’ve been waking up to every single day,” said Tumelo when asked how it felt to have his dad’s life depicted.

NOW READ: ‘I honestly wish every young girl had a big sister like you’ − Zandile Khumalo pens touching birthday message to Kelly Khumalo

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