Music is how Ras-Themba expresses himself
DRIVEN by poverty and a love for music and the arts, Themba Maringa, now known as Ras-Themba (The Melanin Man), sought a way to express himself while earning a living.
Ntsako Mabunda
LIMPOPO – DRIVEN by poverty and a love for music and the arts, Themba Maringa, now known as Ras-Themba (The Melanin Man), sought a way to express himself while earning a living.
The passionate Rasta man from Homu 14A in Giyani draws, writes poetry and books, does bead work, as well as perform music.
His spirituality, as well as a strong need to voice his views on social matters and injustice led him to what he believes is an ancestral call to perform Xitsonga reggae music.
Ras-Themba began his career by performing with friends at community events, initially performing hip hop, imitating Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG and reggae artists like Shaggy and Yellowman before composing their own songs.
Those friends, Jeff Rikhotso, Eric Maluleke, Amukelani Mashimbye and Kanelani Nkuna are the same people he formed the band, Afrikan Ruhts with.
Hudson Zitha, one of the first reggae musicians in Giyani, became their mentor and encouraged them every step of the way.
Their first demo was recorded by producer, Jeff Mashakeni and sponsors came through for them to release their first album, Ja is Love.
Ras-Themba’s ability to voice out what he sees may make you think he hates the government or politics, however, for him, his job as a government communications officer is as much a necessity as his music, both are about teaching and inspiring people to live better lives.
“Our group performs in Tsonga, which makes us unique and makes people want to listen to us. Our music stands out, but is also relatable,” says Ras-Themba.
The dreadlocked Rastafarian believes the style promotes peace, Africanism, a clean life of no drink and drugs and also preaches the worship of the creator.
His recent solo album, Ndzilo wa Mavivi features the hit song, Ka Tika Joni sung by Ras-Themba with his son Ras-Themba (jnr). The album was produced by Moses Mashakeni, Jeff Mashakeni, G-boy and Ras-Themba and he included four English songs for a wider audience, however the message of supporting one’s culture is a message Ras-Themba will die preaching.
To nominate Ras-Themba for a South African Traditional Music Award 2015 (Satma), SMS Satma Ras-Themba Melaninman best reggae album to 34066.
