Standerton musician hopes to change his community through music
He recently made a social media challenge where his fans are encouraged to make a video singing one of his songs and win prizes.
Mduduzi Mota, a 26-year-old musician from Standerton, said he hopes to change his community through music and other art forms by giving local artists opportunities to realise their dreams.
After completing matric at Jandrem Secondary School in Standerton, Mota packed his bags and went to the bright lights of Johannesburg to study mechanical engineering at the University of Johannesburg.
He told Standerton Advertiser that in 2016, he was chosen to be a junior station commander at the Standerton Police Station after winning an essay writing competition on how to solve crime in his community.
“It was a long essay. However, I ensured I outlined the challenges we faced in the communities when criminal elements took place in our respective communities.
“Most times, the police arrive late or do not come at all, so in the essay, I wrote that it would be great if the police were stationed in local clinics in various communities to respond on time if a crime is taking place,” said the vibrant Mota.
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He said many issues are left for a long time in various communities until they become problematic.
“There are few opportunities in Standerton, and most youngsters resort to crime. However, I see many people trying to assist young people by keeping them busy through sports.
“We grew up with GBV. We were told we must go to school for a better life. It was hammered into our skulls, and now, many young people queue at various tertiary institutions every year, trying to better their lives through education.
“The same should be done with GBV. The message should be hammered home, and we must be told that a woman is not supposed to be beaten,” said Mota.
He said his love of music comes from his mother’s side of the family.
“There used to be a church choir at home. I also, through the years, joined choirs at school.”
Mota said he is involved in different aspects of music, such as making beats, laying vocals and instruments and can do any genre of music. Mota has just released his EP of three songs.
“For this EP, I worked with other artists from Standerton. People have responded well to it, and I am getting invites to perform at events. Some events pay me, but I am not focused on money because I am still growing as an artist.”
Mota is under apprenticeship at an engineering firm in Secunda and has one subject left to complete his engineering degree. He said there is no assistance for artists who come from Standerton.
“I am fighting for me and other artists from Standerton. Talents rise and end up crashing because no attention is on us as artists. We are sidelined, and the art is going down. The only thing you hear about Standerton is crime.”
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The Sondela and Sicelo hitmaker said his family and friends support his music career.
He recently made a social media challenge where his fans are encouraged to make a video singing one of his songs and win prizes.
He aims to touch lives with his music.
“I want to produce quality music so that my work can be enjoyed by those who love my music. That is why I work hard and prefer to suffer now. I can reap the fruits of my hard work later in life,” said Mota.
Mota’s songs are available on all digital platforms. Search for MCMZA to download your favourite song.
