Time To Find The Next

ROBBIE He’s done with solo projects, says singer Robbie Malinga – his focus now is to discover and nuture new talent.

- Khosi Biyela

WITH his signature dark shades and bright smile he’s as recognisable as the stars whose careers he has helped launch – Zahara , Kelly Khumalo, DJ Sbu and Arthur Mafokate are just a few who come to mind.

He’s produced chart-topping hits for some of Mzansi’s biggest musicians but Robbie Malinga isn’t just a hit producer with a Midas touch: he’s also an accomplished pianist and singer who reinvents his sound to move with the times.

Recently he celebrated reaching platinum status with his fourth – and last – music offering, a compilation CD titled The Duets, which could be unceremoniously disqualified as a Sama contender for best Afro-pop album. “I was shocked when I saw that in the newspapers. I don’t know what’s happening because no one has called me to explain.”

A Sama committee member says the album shouldn’t have been nominated in the first place as “it doesn’t meet the requirements, as such albums are, as per the set-out and standing rules, considered to be compilation albums”, Sunday World reported.

It came as a shock when the legendary musician announced his retirement as a solo singer. But Robbie insists he’s not stepping out of the spotlight because of his health woes last year, which saw him lose a lot of weight. Instead he wants to focus on grooming upcoming artists.

After more than 20 years in the industry he feels the time is right to share his knowledge.

“This has nothing to do with me being sick,” he stresses when he meets us at our Auckland Park offices.

Yet he has been unwell and tells us he first started feeling out of sorts last year.