Mpho Majiga: From a Boy Beating Oil Tins to the New King of Disco!

From the dusty village of Hamutsha in Venda to stages across Africa, Mpho Majiga’s journey is a story of passion, persistence, and purpose.

As a child, he turned empty oil tins into makeshift drums, which was a powerful sign of a dream that refused to be silenced, even when those around him did not fully understand it.

That same determination carried him from school performances to formally studying music at the University of Venda, and eventually into a career that has seen him evolve into a versatile artist and producer. While he has explored genres like gospel, jazz and Afro sounds, it is in disco where Mpho has truly found his voice — earning recognition for his signature keyboard sound, energetic performances, and growing fanbase across countries such as Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Having worked closely with the late disco legend Dan Tshanda, who was his mentor, Mpho’s journey took a deeply personal turn following his passing. His 2022 comeback project I’m Back marked not just a return to music, but a moment of reflection and renewed purpose — with many now viewing him as a leading force in carrying disco into a new era.

And as he continues to evolve, Mpho is currently working on new material, collaborating with established legendary musician Amadamara hitmaker Freddie Gwala and rising talent Ntoshka, known for hit song John Vuli Gate. This poses as a clear sign that his journey is far from over.

In this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, we speak to Mpho Majiga about his journey, his comeback, the weight of legacy, and the man behind the music.

From oil tins to purpose

From a young age, Mpho would turn empty oil tins into makeshift drums, nurturing a passion that began long before the spotlight found him. As the conversation unfolded, he reflected on those early moments—whether he already sensed he was reaching for something beyond his surroundings, or if he was simply a boy holding tightly to a dream no one else could yet see.

“Hahaha, well I was just a little boy trying to define passion; however, I think the One who gave me this talent also gave me the strength to pick it up again and again because He was preparing me to be a blessing in the future. To me, it was just love, and now I understand that nothing can stop me from music. The love and passion are just too much. So, thank God for the early energy, and I can also say Ugogo later gave me money for my first university payment. I think she later understood better than everyone at home hahaha,” said Mpho.

Stepping into a legend’s legacy

Following the passing of legendary musician and mentor Dan Tshanda, Mpho didn’t simply carry on creating music—many now view him as a torchbearer of a lasting legacy. As the conversation deepened, he opened up about whether he ever felt the pressure of stepping into a space once held by a legend, and if that responsibility ever brought him fear.

“At first, his passing put me a little down. I mean, 10 full years enjoying myself travelling, entertaining fans globally, and my love for him as I grew up as a devoted fan. In Venda, old friends always remind me how I used to write ‘Mpho Splash Majiga’ in my books, and teachers understood. After a few months of his passing, I used to see posts with fans arguing about me. Then, after two years, the call for me to step up was too much to ignore. I was encouraged by the fans’ love and belief in me after they saw how close I was with the Boss and also my potential.

“When I was still doubting, I saw a negative post which labeled me as a small boy, just a student who can’t do anything. That post motivated me instead of putting me down. It helped me come out and show the world what I learned from the Best Disco University – The Dalom Stable – and Professor Dan Tshanda. Some judged my early projects, where I didn’t do much, because my boss was still there doing it, and for me, it was more about supporting his dream than my own. The pressure is always there, as I have to deliver great stuff every time. I don’t relax; I learn every day. Boss Dan remains my master, and I am his student, so it eases my fear in disco production,” said Mpho.

I’m Back: A powerful return

Mpho’s 2022 comeback project, I’m Back, marked a powerful return following one of the most challenging chapters of his life. Beyond the music, he talked about what he was going through internally during that time—revealing the struggles and emotions the public never got to witness.

“In my absence from disco, I went back to gospel. It was a difficult period because whenever I tried to play disco, I would cry alone thinking of Dan Tshanda. And always having to respond to his fans about why I wasn’t releasing disco projects was also a thorn. When I released the I’m Back album, it was my encouragement and even the pastor loved my disco. So I was very happy to be back with a bang, and the response was amazing,” said Mpho.

Staying true to Disco

At a time when new sounds dominate the industry, Mpho has remained firmly rooted in disco. He reflected on whether his mission is to preserve a rich musical legacy, or if he believes he’s building something even greater than what came before him.

“My mentor stood his ground during genre transitions, so I am not moved. I am a producer who appreciates all arts, all kinds of music, and I get inspired by hard workers like Kapza DE Small, for example; however, I am a Disco 9/9. I can feature in other genres, as I can also produce Maskandi, Jazz, etc., but I can’t leave home. I am writing my own history, and when I am gone, I will be known as one of the disco legends, just like Peta Teanet and Dan Tshanda. Disco has really stood the test of time, and to my blessing, our fans also stand by their love for it. They are not shaken. I live for them (fans); my talent is for them,” said Mpho.

Leaving a lasting impact

As the conversation came to a close, I asked Mpho one final question: years from now, when people hear the name Mpho Majiga, what do you want them to feel before they even think about your music? This was his response:

“In the future, I want people to see a man who inspires them in their own careers and dreams, showing that there is a reward when you don’t give up in life. I would also like to be remembered as Uncle Mpho, someone who makes a difference in the lives of disadvantaged kids across Africa. I went to play Master Soccer last month in one of the provinces, and I don’t know why, but kids kept coming to me asking for soccer boots, money, and other things. I would be very happy to establish the Mpho Majiga Children Foundation,” said Mpho.

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