Phobla jazzes things up with his smooth notes
Musician Mpho 'Phobla Peter' Manabalala (32) is a gospel and smooth jazz artist who has been in the music industry for about eight years and says he does not limit himself when it comes to music.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2018/03/IMG_8452_99397.jpg)
POLOKWANE – “I’m open to any type of music, I’m not picky, as long as it sounds good,” he explained. Growing up in a musical family, Mpho resides in Seshego Zone 3 where he also attended primary and high school.
Mpho fell in love with music at a young age, and after completing his matric, he furthered his studies in information technology and computer science at Capricorn FET in 2008.
You might also want to read: Malatji puts Limpopo on the map
“I started performing as an individual while I was still at college in 2007, and that is when I joined a gospel group called Anointed Rhythms.
“In 2016 I started working with producer Lazzy Thobejane, the founder and owner of a recording studio in town, L.A Muzo Production, and my colleague Tricia Trish-lady Mamaregane who encouraged me to go solo,” Mpho said.
Mpho also does sessions for artists such as Patience Ntuli, Charlebass, Joyce BK and L.A Muzo promotional artists. He’s also a full time bassist for Trish-lady.
“Music has always been part of my family, my dad was also a recording artist and worked with well-known artists such as Judith Sephuma, Combo and Maru a Pula. Being around all that awakened a love and passion within me. Realising I want to be in the music industry happened when a friend lended me a bass guitar to learn and, let’s just say I never gave it back. I later heard that an artist, Gilbert Bra Gilly Malotane was looking for a bassist for his jazz band, and from there on everything fell into place. That’s basically how it happened, the rest is history,” he explained.
Mpho has performed at various music events in Limpopo such as the Mapungubwe Festival, has done DVD recordings and gala dinners. He also co-owns a multimedia and communications company called Tripho Multimedia and Communication. “I sometimes put the bass down to fix and build computers, as well as do some graphic designing from time to time.”
In his career, Mpho has worked with organisations like the South African Police Service (SAPS) Brass Band, Limpopo the Musical, Mahuma Group and the Limpopo Youth Orchestra. He also recorded a single, He Reigns, which was released in 2016, and can be downloaded on iTunes. “Follow your dreams and passion, go out there and learn music, be professionally qualified as there is an array of opportunities out there,” he advised.
Follow Mpho on Facebook and Twitter or for more information, e-mail him at mpmanabs1@gmail.com.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2017/12/website-fooeter-2.jpg)