Spokes is gone but Rabaki remains

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Staff Writer | Monday July 29, 2013 00:00

Even though the artiste has died, his influence and his all-time hit Rabaki will continue to entertain and inspire.Spokes H broke onto the music scene in a big way in the late 90s, but he only reached for the stars in 1999 with the release of his album Nnete ea baba with the hit song, Rabaki. Rabaki solicited different reactions from music lovers because of its artistic impression and its attempt to discourage men from being lazy.The lyrics ridicule men who have a tendency to sit at home while their counterparts toil to take something home at the end of the day.

In the track, Rabaki is described as a man who has moved in with his lover. At home orders everybody around and when he returns home from a drinking spree, he first goes to the kitchen to fry something quickly.His lyrics spoke about various aspects of life and he attempted to address different issues that occur in modern society. For example, he was critical of abortion and wrote a song expressing his feelings. Through his music, he also sought to encourage people to make something of themselves.

Another one of his popular songs was a dedication to South African musicians. He tipped his hat off to popular acts like Trompies, Arthur Mafokate, Andile Gaelesiwe and Splash.His track, Peace Majents, was another piece demonstrating Spokes H's commitment to nation building.His music spread through the region and he became an inspiration to many around the region.Yesteryear disco star, Pamela Nkutha whose career thrived around the same time as Spokes H, expressed her feelings of loss since the passing of the great musician.'The passing of Letona Spokes Hlatshwayo is indeed a great loss. Not only for fellow musicians, but everyone in the industry. He was a true legend.

The music fraternity has lost a composer, singer and producer of high standard. May his soul rest in peace,' said Pamela Nkutha Despite his influence and massive fan base, Spoke H did not have any wealth at the time of his death. Before he fell sick two weeks ago he was reported to be staying at his mother's house with his three children.