This wasn't the first time Thinky Mate claimed the legendary singer used his vocals.
The management of the late Solly Moholo has dismissed claims that the gospel music icon was just the face behind his famous songs.
This follows claims by veteran gospel singer Shinky Mate in a podcast interview that he was the voice behind some of Moholo's famous songs.
talk to The CitizenMate claimed that he actually sang the songs from Moholo's debut album. Ba Mitzah Tsotsi.
“Soly Moholo first met me when I was working on an album with the late Mogelemane and Nkosana. He heard my voice and realized he was working on a new album and the lead artist was They approached me and said they needed it,” Mate explained.
“He had already produced a beat and gave me a cassette to practice on. A month or two later, we went to the studio and recorded the album. I sang the entire album. Back in 1999. , I was only 19 years old.
The last communication between Mate and Moholo
Mate said the last time he heard from Moholo was after recording the last song on the album.
“I remember after we recorded the last song, the producer suggested to Solly Moholo, 'Let Shinky be the artist and you stay with the producer.'”
“But Solly said, 'No, let me talk to Sinky first.' That was the last time I heard from him. About a month later, all of a sudden, from the radio next door, my I heard voices. It was everywhere.”
Mate further claimed that Moholo continued to use other artists' voices on subsequent albums.
“After me, there's a guy called Solly Maseba who sings on his second album. After Solly Maseba was Strike Moshe, and after that I don't know who he approached.”
Mate said he tried his best to fight Moholo, but it was difficult because he was making a name for himself in the music industry.
“He grew up and had strong connections. As a young man from Mabopane, how could he afford to fight in court? My parents told me to let it go and leave it in God’s hands.
“We tried everything, going to the media, speaking on radio and TV, but it seemed like we were promoting him even more.”
In an article published in August 2009, Mumegi onlineMate revealed how the late singer allegedly stole his vocals.
Response from Solly Moholo management
Speaking on behalf of Solly Moholo’s management, Queen Liya Ngbeni said Moholo is not just a face, but a creator of music.
“All Solly Moholo songs are his. He's more than just the face of the songs,” she said.
Ngbeni also said that Mate never approached her directly regarding these allegations.
“As a director, I have never met him. I have only seen his claims on the internet,” she added.
Ngbeni declined to comment on whether he was considering legal action against Mate.
“Soli Moholo is no more. It is unprofessional to answer questions like this. Perhaps his son will answer that,” she said.
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