For Mashudu, letting go of the family legacy was like tearing out a piece of his own heart. Despite his attempts to appear composed, the anguish in his voice and expression was unmistakable. It was as though he was trying to cut through a heavy burden with a blunt knife.
By Jabu Kumalo
In his eyes, a brilliance surpassing that of any diamond twinkles, while a perpetual genial smile adorns his lips. These captivating features belong to none other than the internationally acclaimed globetrotter, Jimmy Mashudu Mulovhedzi, who finds solace and joy when his heart is connected to the subject of music.
His humility is quite striking for someone who has rubbed shoulders with kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers and other top dignitaries of this world.
Under his leadership, the Soweto Choir has collaborated with many musical greats around the globe.
A man of many titles and talents, Jimmy, is however well-known for being part of the award-winning project called Soweto Gospel Choir as a songwriter, company director and company manager. He is also the director of another successful musical entity, Memeza African Choir.
Jimmy’s musical expedition took flight at the tender age of eight, as he joined his father, David Mulovhedzi’s, family choir. This choir, known as Holy Jerusalem, holds a deeply sentimental value in Jimmy’s heart, as it was the very foundation upon which the world-renowned Soweto Gospel Choir was built.
However, as the choir’s fame spread across the globe, international producers and promoters expressed discomfort with the name Jerusalem. In response, the choir was tasked with crafting a new name, thus giving rise to the iconic Soweto Gospel Choir.
“Jerusalem was a formative experience that laid the foundation for my musical journey. My father, David Mulovhedzi, had a profound influence on my musical path. He introduced me to music at a young age and provided unwavering support as I pursued a career in the industry. His guidance and encouragement shaped me into the musician I am today.
“When I was young he’d take me to different concerts, especially at Jabulani Amphitheatre festivals, where I experienced different music genres being performed. This sharpened my ability to write and arrange different music styles,” said Jimmy.
The Chiawelo, Soweto-born and bred musical genius said it filled him with immense pride to hoist this township’s flag and represent it worldwide: “Representing and raising the flag of this iconic township is both an honour and a responsibility. Soweto is not just a place, but a symbol of resilience, culture, and community strength. To carry that legacy forward is truly humbling.”
Jimmy and the Soweto Gospel Choir have won multiple awards, including three prestigious Grammys, an Emmy and SAMA awards.
“Walking onto the stage to receive prestigious awards such as the Grammy, SAMA, or Emmy Award is a surreal experience. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Each trophy represents not only a personal achievement but also recognition of the collective effort of my team and supporters.
“What inspires me and my choir to reach greater heights is our passion for music and our desire to make a positive impact. We draw inspiration from our experiences, our heritage, and the people we meet along the way.”
“The pursuit of excellence is a driving force that pushes us to constantly innovate and evolve.”
“The success of the Soweto Gospel Choir can be attributed to our unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and deep-rooted passion for music. We approach each performance with humility and gratitude, knowing that our music has the power to uplift and inspire audiences worldwide.”
The Legend Of Jimmy Mashudu Mulovhedzi
Jimmy’s musical journey did not just end with the success of Soweto Gospel Choir, he saw a need to start another project, the Memeza African Choir, with one of its aims, among others, being to address the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.
He elaborated: “The Memeza African Choir was established soon after the success of Soweto Gospel Choir, as an extension to celebrate African culture and heritage through music. It also serves as a platform to promote unity and diversity while addressing social issues such as HIV/AIDS stigma.
The choir came into existence as a response to the need for greater awareness and understanding of African cultures.
“Unfortunately, stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS still exists, but progress has been made in raising awareness and promoting inclusivity. Our work is ongoing, and we remain committed to breaking down barriers and creating a more supportive environment for those affected by the disease. Through music and advocacy, we strive to foster understanding, compassion, and acceptance within our communities.”
He said working with different choirs simultaneously can be challenging, but “I approach each project with dedication and professionalism. I strive to treat each choir as a separate entity, respecting its unique identity and vision.”
The likeable legend is not just Jimmy Mashudu Mulovhedzi finish en klaar, but under his belt are titles such as songwriter, arranger, producer, choreographer, company manager, IT administrator and industrial psychologist. As if that is not enough, he is also a certified HIV/AIDS counsellor and director of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Edzimkulu.
One might be forgiven to think it is an enormous task wriggling in and out of all these responsibilities, but not for Jimmy: “Balancing multiple job titles requires careful planning, time management, and delegation. Each role contributes to my holistic approach to music and social activism. While it can be demanding at times, I find fulfilment in the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in various spheres of life.”
The choirs are forever in different parts of Europe, particularly France. Jimmy said travelling to Europe, especially France, has become a second home for him and the choirs. He said it was an opportunity to share their music and culture with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
“The warm reception we receive overseas is a testament to the universal appeal of music as a language of unity and connection. I’ve made a lot of friendships over there, this includes creating a project called Building Bridges with a long-time friend of mine called Marjolaine Freytchet. Our goal is to connect South Africa and France through music and dance. Performing before dignitaries and world leaders is a humbling experience that reminds us of the universal language of music.
“While accolades and recognition are appreciated, our focus remains on using our platform to spread joy, hope, and positivity through our music.”
He continued with a wry smile wrapped with humility and fondness on his lips: “Becoming a household name globally was a dream I dared to envision but never imagined would come true. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and belief in oneself. Every step of the journey has been a learning experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.”
Sad to say, Jimmy has parted ways with the love of his life, the Soweto Gospel Choir.
The Agony of Betrayal: Mulovhedzi Shares Heart-Wrenching Story
Cutting ties with the family legacy was tantamount to ripping a heart out with bare hands from a living being. Though the sparkle dimmed a bit and the ever-present smile became tighter as he poured out his frustration and pain, his body still carried the demeanour of a dignified individual.
Trying as hard as he could to hide the pain, it was so thick in his voice and face that you could almost slice it with a blunt knife.
Mashudu, the once leader of the family entity, Soweto Gospel Choir, was grateful for the opportunity to at long last open his heart and share his frustration about being outside his beloved choir.
He said he severed ties with the company after some dissatisfaction about how things were being run since the passing away of his father, David Mulovhedzi, who was the original owner of the award-winning, globe-trotting choir. His dad passed on in 2009.
“Yes, I did leave the Soweto Gospel Choir after experiencing a lot of exploitation by the so-called producers who are from Australia. They swindled the choir from our family after the passing of my father and claimed ownership.
“To carry on with my father’s legacy after the choir was separated from our family, we formed a new 100% black-owned and self-funded group called Soweto Choir, which is now taking over the international arena. We continue to spread our message of hope and unity through music,” he said.
He feels aggrieved also that his family, particularly his mum, has never received any compensation as the sole beneficiary of her husband’s estate.
He said with a tone filled with anger and disappointment at how he has been treated lately: “The annoying thing is that those who are making money from our project (Soweto Gospel Choir) can’t even write or sing a note of music. When I started asking questions about some abnormal things that started happening in the choir, the management started isolating me as a bad influence on other choir members. I eventually left the project.”
Though the choir was making a lot of money internationally, the singers were now getting a pittance.
He said: “When the choir is performing internationally, they no longer get paid in dollars but rands. The daily allowance like stipend and food started dwindling. The painful part is that when members are sick, they are discarded like dirt. Those who have passed on have received paupers’ funerals.
“Many heartless things are happening in the company now. Those who are still there are either doing it out of passion or are bound by contracts. They are not allowed to work anywhere else, even when they are free. They are regarded as full-time employees but without any benefits.”
Mashudu said he is always bullied by those running the Soweto Gospel Choir when his new choir, the Soweto Choir, gets gigs overseas. The Emmy Award recipient with Memeza Choir is the director of both this choir and Soweto Choir.
Memeza does only traditional and not gospel music.
“I am sabotaged whenever they hear that I will be performing at some place overseas. They bully me, promoters and theatres who want our services. Fortunately, I am helped by friends that I have made internationally.
“I am glad that I have formed strong bonds over the years with supportive friends. Though some of those friends are not rich, they manage to help us set up shows in Europe and other countries. I am very grateful to them. Otherwise, we would be starving.”
One of his friends whom he met and formed a bond with in 2007 in Canada, Scott Leithead, has played a great part in spreading Memeza’s music internationally. Jimmy also does the same when Scott’s choir, Kokopelli, visits South Africa.
The Soweto Choir and his other company, Memeza African Choir, have made some significant strides internationally.
Despite all that, he is faced with antagonism from people he once called friends and colleagues, the talented songwriter said he never gives up hope easily: “I use music to heal myself and others, especially from the wounds of apartheid. Our songs are a testimony to that. Music is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am brave. I am not afraid to face challenges.”
He said he would soon be going overseas with his choir.