ROBBIE He’s done with solo projects, says singer Robbie Malinga – his focus now is to discover and nuture new talent.
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.
Denne historien er fra June 01, 2017-utgaven av Drum English.
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Denne historien er fra June 01, 2017-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
