By Nkhensani Mthombeni
- Tzaneen musician Hlukuriser sells snacks and sweets from a roadside stall in Nkowankowa Township during the day and performs at taverns and stadiums at night.
- Hlulani Masila says gig money alone cannot feed a family, and encourages young artists in Limpopo to find ways to earn on the side.
Hlulani Masila has been performing for over two decades. He still needs to sell popcorn and sweets on the street to make ends meet.
Known as Hlukuriser, the Limpopo-born madamara musician performs at taverns, stadiums and events across the province. During the day, he runs a small roadside stall in Nkowankowa Township, outside Tzaneen, selling snacks and grocery essentials.
He is not complaining about it. “I’m business-minded and not ashamed of my hustle,” he told Scrolla.Africa. “As a young man, I do what I can to put food on the table. I’m determined to change my family’s background.”
Masila grew up in Nkowankowa loving music. In 2016 he formed a group called Lyt&4ce with two childhood friends, Ntsako Mushwana and Nhlamulo Shitlhangu. The trio have performed at events throughout Limpopo. A career highlight came when Masila shared a stage with King Monday at King Monday’s one-man show, Monadeni, in Tzaneen.
He also owns a recording studio where he helps young and upcoming artists lay down tracks.
But the music industry in Limpopo is not easy to break into, and Masila says gig fees alone do not pay the bills. His message to other upcoming artists is plain: find another way to earn while you build your name.
“Use your hands, sell whatever you can and find ways of supplementing your music,” he said.
“The reality is that after performing, the family still has to eat.”
Pictured above: Side by side images of Hlukuriser at his roadside stall in Nkowankowa Township, Tzaneen, where he sells snacks and sweets during the day and him performing on stage by night time.
Image source: Supplied
