Local artist is going places fast

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Upcoming Graaff-Reinet artist, Siphosethu Jonathan Hermanus, is taking the entertainment world by storm.

The 18-year-old Hermanus, better known by his stage name Matshamba, started hosting his own events two years ago.

At the time he also managed to get radio interviewed and playlisted by Vukani Community Radio, something that is very difficult for many local artists to achieve.

Today Mashamba is a recording artist, event organiser and brand ambassador for MoFaya Energy owned by celebrity DJ SBU. In partnership with MoFaya Energy, he will be hosting an extraordinary event in uMasizakhe on 29 April.

The show, Fill Up uMasizakhe with Flash Ikumkani, will feature several upcoming local artists and promises to be one of the biggest events that Graaff-Reinet has ever seen.

Humble beginnings

Mashamba's achievements didn't come easy. He was born in a shack in Graaff-Reinet and grew up very poor as his mother was unemployed for many years.

Despite many challenges Matshamba never gave up on his dreams. "My biggest dream has always been to succeed so that I can provide for my younger siblings – my brother Ricardo and two sisters Alicia and Asolule."

At the age of sixteen the Nqweba Secondary School learner started working part-time and by the time he was in Grade 11 he had his own cleaning business.

He later decided to put all his energy and effort into his music career and eventually his hard work and dedication paid off.

Mashamba never allowed his circumstances to determine his future. "I was never ashamed of my circumstances. I always reminded myself that it is up to me to decide what I want to be in this life."

Siphosethu Jonathan Hermanus