The renowned guitarist was based in Tonota in the 80s. What makes Tonota more special to Dludlu is that he fathered a daughter when he was still living in that village. His daughter is now in her 20s. Despite his successful return to South Africa following the April 27 all-race elections that ended apartheid, Dludlu has not lost touch with his “roots” - hence the title of his album. Local music followers will recall Dludlu’s remarkable performance at the Botswana Craft in 2010 where he allowed his guitar to do the talking for him.
In a recent interview with South African Drum magazine, Dludlu reminisced about his days in Tonota, which is a few kilometres South of Francistown. Dludlu told the popular magazine that the title of the album was inspired by his daughter, Tapiwa.“Tonota is my thank-you album. I spent many years in this village of Tonota while I was in exile as a young man in the 80s. It was there where I met my first love - Tapiwa’s mom, Nomsa - while I was in high school. It was also there that I became the man I am today and where I found my core,” Dludlu said.
