A big loss as legendary Madyakubomba Xinghema departs
Madyakubomba Xinghema could afford to travel to places such as France
Limpopo Xitsonga traditional music legend Mphephu Dorah Mathebula known by her clan name Xinghema was not only a legendary singer but was also a reputable traditional healer. Nicknamed Madyakubomba, because of her clean habits, she became a legend who could afford to travel to far off places like France and many African countries.
She died at Nkhensani hospital in Giyani on July 14. She was a musician who had achieved legendary status after she was given a Living Legend award by Munghana Lonene Fm.
She was buried at Xitlhelani cemetery on Wednesday after the funeral service at Victory Revival Church.
A member of the Makhuva royal family, she never attended school because each time she went to class she fell ill.
But despite the lack of education, she became one of the most respected women in Limpopo. Prince Gulukhulu Mathebula, who is the chairman of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa and also a member of her clan said that Madyakubomba has made the family proud.
“As a musician she promoted our tradition and did the royal leadership proud and also did us proud as a traditional healer as she used herbs to heal people,” he said. He urged the local government institution to consider honouring her.
Collins Chabane Local Municipality councilor Harry Chauke also says the late icon deserve to be honoured.
“She was not honoured with a doctorate in her life but she deserved one. Illiterate as she was, she was a successful musician, traditional healer and also educated her children most of whom have more than one degree,” he said.
Musician Sunglen Chavalala and DJ Mfundhisi also said her passing on was a big loss to the industry.
Her story is an interesting one.
Her parents allowed her to abandon school while doing Sub Standard A as she became ill each time she went to school. They believed God could have other plans for her. True to that belief, she graduated as a traditional healer at the age of 9. She became famous and moved to Chiawelo in Soweto where she massed many clients and fortune as well.
A Go getter, she became the first woman in her community to buy a car in the year 1980 and also the first to get a driver’s license.
In 1985, she started a café at Nyavani village and the business pursuit became successful.
A pioneer musician, she was one of the musicians who defied the apartheid government to host festivals at Jabulani Amphitheatre in the 80’s.
The festivals featured many musicians from Limpopo such as the late General Daniel Shirinda, Daniel Baloyi, Samson Mthombeni, Elias Baloyi, HW Makhubele and Obed Ngobeni. They drew many spectators and many people started to take Xitsonga traditional music and culture seriously.
After most of the record companies folded, she took a hiatus from music and only returned in 2013 after meeting maestro producer Joe Shirimani. A member of her family, Tsakani Xinghema said her famous aunt visited with her to several places such as Tanzania, France, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana and Zimbabwe amongst other places.
“She enjoyed travelling and it is because of her generosity that I know the places because she paid for me to accompany her,” she said.
Legendary musician MC Mabasa says the showbiz world will be poorer after her passing. “We have lost a great deal after the passing on of the legendary Khatisa Chavalala in 2009 and with the demise of mhani Madyakubomba, it is a big blow,” said MC Mabasa, real names Morris Chuna Mabasa. He said she was one of the female singers who contributed a lot to the music industry.
Her second born daughter Joyce Khubayi said despite the fact that her mother was illiterate, she encouraged her children to go to school and supported them. “She wanted us to get degrees and we got them,” she said.
The legendary Madyakubomba Xinghema is survived by 7 children, four boys and three girls.
