Like father like son

Ntsako Mabunda

LIMPOPO – STANDING side by side, you could be forgiven for mistaking Reckson “Rigiyas” Maluleke and his son, Knowledge for siblings.

The day Reckson, well-known as Rigiyas, turned 25 on October 10, 1992, he was blessed with his second son. Though he went on to have four more sons, bringing the total to six, this musician from Jim-Nghalalume village just outside Giyani, forged a special bond with his son, Knowledge, popularly known as Dida.

Rigiyas is the extrovert, talking enthusiastically to everyone he meets, while Dida is the shy, outspoken one, patiently awaiting his turn to speak, however they have a good rapport, finishing each other’s sentences and Dida occasionally corrects his father in a respectful manner.

Like many young people of his time, Rigiyas taught himself how to play a musical instrument using an old oil tin can that he crafted into a guitar. Though he was gifted enough to attract a paying crowd every time he organised a concert, there was one person who was not supportive: “my mother always said I should leave this music thing before I went mad. She told me to just focus on school”.

Through a friend’s encouragement, Rigiyas learnt to play the keyboard. He later began his solo career and has released nine albums.

“I don’t believe in releasing an album every year. I skip a year or two before I record something new,” explains Rigiyas.

This is largely due to the other occupations he has besides music.

“I’m an electricity repairman, business and artist promoter, cameraman, video director and editor, graphic designer, CEO of Bathathe Entertainment Organisation, director of Rigiyas Music Production, as well as treasurer at Jim Rhangani High School. I also run a créche,” says Rigiyas.

Remembering his mother’s words, Rigiyas also advised his sons not to pursue music: “there’s no longer money to be made in music. Technology has taken over and piracy has killed the business. I’d advice young people to choose something else. My sons didn’t listen to me as they’re all musicians”.

Dida admits he wasn’t taught to make music by Rigiyas. Just like his father, he taught himself music and sound engineering. He bacame so good he has been a technical producer at Giyani Community Radio since last year.

“I’m also a graphic designer, photographer, video editor, musician, and music producer who has produced the albums of more than 40 artists. All this at the age of 22,” says Dida.

Of all the roles the pair play, Rigiyas is extremely proud and honoured to be a father.

He has taught his children the value of hard work, integrity and respect for self and other people. He is however concerned about young people today.

“I wish they would realise they’re the future leaders. They should not wait around for a job or for someone to employ them. They may have to wait a long time or forever, before it happens,” Rigiyas concludes.

Dida is full of praise when it comes to his father.

“I’m not yet sure what I’ll get him for Father’s Day, but I think we should definitely celebrate our birthday. He deserves a party- he’s a fair dad without favourites among his children. Besides hard work, he taught me that if I want to have quality, timeless music, I need to keep my music clean and shy away from using profanity. That way, all generations will accept me and my music.”