"Somnandi, Somnandi (The sweet and charming one)." Thokozani Langa's fans hail him like royalty as he navigates his way through the crowded streets of Durban.
For this popular maskandi artist, waving back and shaking hands is scant compensation for the people who have supported his music.
"If it was not for the people buying my albums and supporting me, I would not have won anything at the South African Traditional Music Awards (Satmas). I think it's important to acknowledge that and always show your appreciation," he said as he opened the window of his car to shake the hand of an excited young man.
The singer was in Durban recently for an interview with Ukhozi FM which afforded us a chance for an interview. After an hour of waiting for Langa at the Hilton hotel, he cancelled because of his busy schedule, but promised to swing by our offices before shooting off to Johannesburg. Surprisingly, he kept his word, unlike many musicians.
The man who is affectionately known as Somnandi walked away with the Best Maskandi Album and Best video awards for his album Inganekwane at the recent Satmas that were held in Durban. He was the only nominee to win two awards. In keeping with his traditional values, celebrating such an achievement did not involve a huge party, but rather an intimate gathering at his home in Kwagqikazi, near Ulundi.
"When I got home with the two awards in my hand, I walked to my granny's hut. I placed my achievements at the altar in the back of the room and thanked my ancestors for all they have done for me. I married my long-time sweetheart Kwenzekile and won the awards for my hard work. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here," Langa said.
After this success, most musicians would be basking in the glory of their victory, but not Langa. He is already working on his next album, to be released later this year. Its title is Sithanda Umndeni and its theme is about family, as he explains.
"There is a lot of turmoil happening in families - separations, unfaithfulness and divorce. The song Wamgana wamgana talks about patience in marriage. Everything has its challenges, but you said 'I do' so work through it. Izinkomo Azikho explores the problem men are faced with nowadays - they want to pay lobola for their partners, but they cannot afford it. By the same token, they can afford alcohol - how does that work? Then there is Kedibone, which is a Sotho track about Kedibone. I accept that she drinks and cater to her, but she wants to be in the club and then party with me at home. These are all the things we face daily and we need to talk about them," he said.
The singer is already talking about plans for the DVD of the 15-track forthcoming album, which he will be finalising with his record label, Bula records.
"I want to show the beauty of the rural areas where most of us come from. We have seen the beauty of the cities and shown it off in most of our videos. Now it is time to don our traditional attire and show pride in where we come from and where our roots are. If we old maskandi artists don't pave the way for upcoming artists, then we are failing the music genre," he said.