Splash - Dan Tshanda

DAN TSHANDA

A unique personality, innovative, controversial, daring, imaginative, genius. A name synonymous with the highly successful group SPLASH, also known as Dan Tshanda.

Born in Chiawelo, Soweto, Dan had to leave school at primary level due to lack of funds in the family. Dan got a job as a newspaper vendor for an Afrikaans newspaper, where his father worked as a sweeper.

When he became old enough to drive, he ventured into the Taxi Industry. While working as a taxi driver, he made a demo cassette, which was submitted, to a record company, by then Dan had started a group known as Flying Squad.

In 1985 they released an album called MR TONY with Gallo Records which was not a success; the late Mr. Hamilton Nzimande of Gallo Records gave them a second chance as they were planning on letting them go due to the failure of their first album. Ray Phiri of Stimela agreed to feature them as their support act when they had shows, he later discover that they had a great talent and decided they should change their name to ‘SPLASH’. This was the birth of a giant in the South African Music Industry.

The group's first album titled PEACOCK set them on the fast lane to success that was in 1986. In 1987 they released another album which was very good titled SNAKE, in 1998 they released an album titled MONEY, at this time they were working really hard as their music career was looking very bright, they were still with GALLO RECORDING COMPANY.

In 1989 they released TSHOKOTSHOKO, 1990 they released EYE FOR AN EYE, in 1991 they released NESINDANDE, in 1992 KHOMA KHOMA was released, 1993 they released an album titled 1.5,1994 they released an album called WHY, in 1995 they released yet another slamming album titled CELLULAR, 1996 they released another album titled NDOSALA, in 1997 they released DOUBLE FACE.

In 1998 they released an album with BULA RECORDS titled CROCODILE. IN 1999 DAN TSHANDA produced and released an album titled MAKHIRIKHIRI in his own company called DALOM MUSIC .

In 2001 he released another slamming album titled NDIVHUWO, once again in 2003 he released another album which was enjoyed by everyone locally and internationally titled SETHOPHA. This album was released, marketed, promoted and distributed by his record company Dalom Music Due to his dedication and love for his music, Dan Tshanda has always been on top and is striving to remain on top; he has proven that by producing the best albums for each group that he produces. His music has now stretched the borders to African countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Nigeria etc, and to overseas countries like America, Australia, London and Paris etc,Dan Tshanda has under his leadership groups and artists like Patricia Majalisa, Matshikos, Dalom Kids, Peacock, Don B and a new upcoming artist called Hexa.

It seems Dan Tshanda is still very far from retiring from this industry. In 2005 he released ‘SILVIA’ as his 20th album; the album shows that Dan has love for different genres of music. The album is a mixture of disco, pop and African R&B, this shows that the man is versatile. The album encourages women to stand up and show the world what they are capable of.  It also talks about the well being of children; parents should take care of their children so that they don’t end up in jails and on the streets. Our children are our future; they are the leaders of tomorrow.

 SPRINGBOK was released in 2007. The sound of Splash has kept the whole of Southern Africa dancing for almost two decades. SPLASH music was the result of inclusion of synthesizers to township music that saw the rise of Brenda Fassie and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. This album shows that Dan Tshanda is still hot than ever.

2009 Dan Tshanda - released a double album for the first time in the history of Dalom Music, the album consist of two music genres; splash and gospel music.  The album’s 1st part is title Tolovela by Splash and 2nd part is the gospel and the title is Time to Shine by Dan Tshanda.

DAN TSHANDA ‘S ACHIVEMENTS

He has got his own recording studio where he records his albums and for other artists. Furthermore he is a businessman; he’s got his own company called Dalom Music Promotion and Distribution (PTY)LTD where he distributes, markets, promotes and publishes artists.  He is rated as one of the best producers in South Africa; all the albums that he has produced have gone gold or platinum. He is known internationally, and had a privilege of recording an album with the legend Peter Gabriel. He has sold more than a million records internationally.  Dan Tshanda has managed to sustain himself in the music industry for the past 24 years and has been going strong. 

For more information about DAN TSHANDA, log on to Dalom Music website ‘www.dalommusic.com’

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