Silver Shaka >> ONE OF CAPE TOWN'S HIDDEN TALENT

Reggae music is one of those music genres that don’t get much attention and in many instances; this genre is rejected like a bubonic plague by the masses. That is fully comprehensible if one cares to consider the deep consciousness and spirituality within this majestic music genre. That can always create boredom and utter disgust to people who undermine and underestimate the wealth of their own wisdom. This music genre has produced many legends and unsung warriors. And round-a-bout now, I’m about to present one of the unsung talented musos that Cape Town has under her belly. And that is non other than Silver Shaka.

Silver Shaka (birth name Thulani Mjoli) is a reggae and dancehall artist, born and bred in Gugulethu. He is the good vocalist that grew up in a musical family. He had been an artist since pre-school. Along the way he partook in girl’s choir, boy’s choir, junior choir, senior choir et cet-era. He grew up singing with live band in public places such as Marcus Garvey (Philippi), Peter Tosh Hall (Site C), Nyanga East Terminus and at some point they performed in King William’s Town.

Due to the growth of the artist in him and the artistic need in him to shine, he bought himself a personal computer and started recording in his room with his friends. They used to hustle in dancehall sessions, selling cassette records they recorded on their sound system until they got to record on CD. They relied on Bush Radio, Radio Zibonele, UCT Radio, Radio 2000, Umhlobo Wenene FM, Taxi Radio et cet-era for promotion. They had been receiving a massive support from people around them and according to him, their families had been assisting them in every step of the way. He has worked with Shiloh Ites – a Sweden based recording label. His song “Never Give Up” was released on Zimbabwean Compilation alongside Daddy Spencer.

Silver Shaka was inspired by many groups such as Ghetto Muffin, Boom Shaka to name few. With the help of different producers, he managed to get his music on record.  He released his first album titled “Nah Bow Records” in December 2010. He featured Ginjah Cobra (Vumile Sitokisi). According to him, the album made headlines in the reggae scenes. He released his second album titled “Tow2Tow” which also featured Ginjah Cobra (Vumile Sitokisi) in March 2013 with the help of Red Bull Studios, VNG Sony, Hemporium and others. Both albums were released under his record label Nah Bow Records which he started in 1999.

He said his mission is to build the label and make it a success so he could open doors for other ghetto youth who possess a vision for peace and justice. I asked him why he calls himself Silver Shaka and he answered: “Silver represents the shining stars above and even water. It’s like the spear of the nation or should I say Umkhonto Wesizwe? Shaka is the glorification of our legendary King Shaka Zulu.”

He had shared the stage with likes of Ntando Bangani, Teba Shumba, Spencer from Tribe, his cousin Black Dillinger, Zulu Boy, Nkuli Dube, Jah Mason, Ringo Madlingozi, Tony Rebel, Queen Afrika, Tabulance, Rudimentals, Sizzla, Capleton, Sons of Azania, Rockstone Band, Thandiswa Mazwai, Gang of Instrumental, Bunny Wailer and many more.

You can catch Silver Shaka on Facebook.


Written by

Amalahle Ashushu

Ndiyabulela