Marvelous Anele Hleza, a.k.a D Major General, is a Zimbabwean Afro-pop star based in South Africa, he is a passionate musician whose love for music can be traced to a period when he was of school-going age. D Major General comes from Thusi, a small village in Esigodini under Umzingwane district in Matabeleland South. He explains how the contributions he made while at school shaped him to be the person he is today. He says he started taking his music professionally 3 years back and acknowledges that his art continues to improve.
“I used to sing a lot while at school, I was one of the best in the school choir and this is how I noticed that singing is something that I am born with”, says D Major General.
So far, D Major General has released a 10-track album called Ngeke Ngivume, which is made up of the following songs: Sthandwa sami; One day; Lengoma; Ngeke ngivume; Uyangithanda na?; I will never let you go; Bazali bami; Singaba hambayo; Izandla phezulu; and Madlozi ami. The album was released in 2021. In 2022, Hleza made another release of a single called Ngisize.
“I have performed in Jabula Inn, Esigodini, Esibomvu and Mawabeni in Matabeleland South province. In South Africa, l have showcased my creativity on different platforms in various places that include Pata Pata in Maboneng, Sumit club in Hillbrow and at Hillbrow Inn,” says D Major General.
D Major General is particularly encouraged and spurred by the love and support he receives from his family and this gives him the strength to pursue his art. He boasts about the strong support structure he has with individuals willing to see him grow in the creative industry. At times for one to actually prosper and enjoy whatever he or she is doing, one needs support from the people around him. D major General enjoys the support from his friends and his love for music keeps him going.
The General encourages everyone whose passion is in the arts to always be cautious about the need to be patient and highly committed in order to get to the level where they want to be. He explains that a lot of endurance is needed for one to excel and strive in the industry. He mentions that building a brand and ensuring its success and sustenance is one area that deserves a lot of attention. “It is not easy to be an artist and one needs to be patient.” “It’s not an easy road to be an artist, it needs patience”, he said. D Major General began his music career in South Africa and he does his recordings at True Tune Records.
D Major General who did his primary school at Mlomoliwoto Primary School and his secondary education at Mzinyathini High School says he loves songs from Mafikizolo and the late Oliver Mtukudzi.
He says if given an opportunity in Matabeleland South, he would go to schools and help children in any way he could to improve their lives. He added that he would also help the less privileged learners by buying stationery and paying school fees for them.
He also said that the challenge that he has realized is that as Zimbabwean artists, they do not support each other in the arts industry. He battresses the point that one cannot make it alone in this industry without help from others. He encourages artists to be united and support each other by any means necessary. He acknowledges that the support will go a long way in perfecting their brands to ensure that the industry benefits not only a few but several creatives united for a good cause. “I think as Zimbabweans we are not supporting each other and as musicians, we can work together to beat the pandemic,” says The Major General.
D Major General says he sings wholeheartedly and he enjoys it. Although based in South Africa, D Major General frequently comes home for music shows.
