Dr. Colbert Rudzani Mukwevho, popularly known as Harley, is a South African reggae musician and producer who is currently 60 years of age. He is also the father of well-known artist Percy P. Postman Mukwevho.

Mukwevho was honored with an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Arts and Social Sciences from the University of Venda, earning him the title “Dr. Mukwevho.”

His music is primarily in Tshivenda, though he also sings in Xitsonga and English. Throughout his career, he has recorded and produced nearly 200 songs and has released close to 20 albums.

Early Life and Education 

Colbert Rudzani Mukwevho was born on October 26, 1965, at Tlangelani Clinic. He spent his early years in Gumbani a ka Mukhomi, in the former Bantustan homeland of Gazankulu.

He is the son of Abel and Lucy Mukwevho. Due to the apartheid-era Group Areas Act, his family later relocated to Tshitomboni in Venda.

Mukwevho began his education at Tshinetise Primary School in 1972. Coming from a musical family, he joined his father and uncles’ band, The Thrilling Artists, in 1975 as a backing vocalist before transitioning to bass and lead vocals.

He attended Movhe Secondary School in 1979 and later completed his matric at Tshipakoni Secondary School in 1984.

Career Beginnings and Achievements

Mukwevho began his music journey in 1975 when he joined his family’s band, “The Thrilling Artists,” at just 10 years old. The band was formed by his father and uncle, and he initially joined as a backup singer before later taking on the roles of bass player and lead singer. The Thrilling Artists released two albums under Gallo Records—“Mukhada O Ntshuma” in 1979 and “Hani-Hani” in 1982. During these recordings, Colbert, also known as Harley, played bass guitar and provided background vocals. He was also given the chance to contribute at least one of his own compositions to each album.

By the end of 1983, Colbert, along with his uncle Freddy Baloyi, who played the drums, and his father, who was the lead guitarist, decided to leave The Thrilling Artists to form a new band called The Comforters. Radio Venda, now known as Phalaphala FM, later gave them the nickname “Vhamvumvusi.” In this new group, Colbert took on multiple roles as the lead vocalist, bassist, composer, and arranger. His sisters—Tendani, Tshanzha, Azwinndini, Nkhangweleni, and Nita—provided background vocals.

The Comforters started by recording music with the SABC in Polokwane, creating what was known as “SABC Transcripts,” which were not sold to the public. Their first album, “Gaku La Vhuswa Zwalo” (which translates to “Better a dry crust of bread”), was recorded with the help of Munaka Ramunenyiwa as an assistant sound engineer. The album was entirely in Tshivenda and had a raw reggae sound. It featured the late Christopher, who had been the leader and lead singer of The Thrilling Artists, on keyboards, while Colbert handled overdubs himself. The band included Abel, Colbert’s father, on lead guitar, Freddy Baloyi on drums, and Colbert playing bass and singing lead vocals.

In 1984, The Comforters released their second album, Ni Khou Livha Luwani (meaning “Heading for the Precipice”), which received significant airplay. Around the same time, Colbert continued recording more Venda reggae tracks as SABC transcripts, working with sound engineer Mr. Ramunenyiwa at the SABC Mobile Studio.

That same year, The Comforters secured a deal with Hit City Records in downtown Johannesburg. They recorded Month End Lover, which was eventually released in 1987. Later that year, Colbert’s wife, Julia Sididzha, joined the group as a backup vocalist. However, Month End Lover turned out to be Colbert’s final project with The Comforters.

In 1988, Colbert and Julia welcomed their first child, Percy. That same year, Colbert enrolled at the Venda College of Education in Thohoyandou as a third-year student but dropped out before completing the year.

In 1989, Colbert performed at a music festival in Thohoyandou, where he shared the stage with renowned musician Sello Chicco Twala. Impressed by his talent, Chicco invited Colbert to Johannesburg to explore business opportunities together. Colbert arrived in November, during the final stages of recording Brenda Fassie’s Black President album, which Chicco was producing. Chicco suggested a duet between Colbert and Fassie, leading to the recording of Heroes’ Party, one of Colbert’s compositions, which was later included in the Black President album.

In December 1989, Colbert adopted the stage name “Harley” and formed Harley and the Rasta Family under Chicco Productions. This marked the beginning of Lion in the Sheepskin, which was released in 1990 and distributed by CCP Records. The album was recorded with Chicco’s backing band, featuring Madoda Mathunjwa on drums, Jimmy Mugwandi on bass guitar, Enos Lebisi on keyboards, and the late Jeff Radinne on grand piano. Dukes Mhlongo contributed on guitar and additional keyboard overdubs, while John Hassan added percussion to complete the production. Julia joined the group after the recording was finished and became part of their live performances.

While in Yeoville, Colbert met a group of Rastafarians from Bophuthatswana who called themselves Da Ghetto. They believed in unity and working together. Reflecting on that time, Colbert once shared, “They were incredible—pure to the core. Meeting them opened my eyes to the world. If I hadn’t crossed paths with them, I wouldn’t have grown spiritually the way I have. But Jah works in mysterious ways, you know? It was meant to be. The Almighty wanted me to meet these brothers to strengthen what was already inside me. He sent them like angels to reveal things no one else could. They were the only ones fit to introduce me to Rastafari. And today, here I am, still standing, still thriving. Give thanks to Haile Selassie I, always.”

Their first major live performance was at Ellis Park Stadium during the Bigger Birthday Concert. They later toured South Africa, performing alongside Chicco in various cities.

In 1992, Harley returned home and, along with his new backing group and his younger brother Simmy on keyboards, recorded I Do Nela Rothe (meaning “Rain Falls for All”) under his full name, Colbert Mukwevho. His wife, Julia, and his sisters—Tendani, Nkhangweleni, Tshanzha, and Azwinndini—provided background vocals for the album.

In 1993, he recorded Hoyo Wanu O Naka (which means “Your Maiden is the One That is Beautiful”) right at home in 888 Block F, Thohoyandou, where The Burning Shak stands today. He used the same background vocalists for this project.

The following year, in 1994, Colbert recorded Tshigotshanama (meaning “Leg Work Boy”) at Downtown Studios in Johannesburg. The album featured the late Dukes Mhlongo on lead guitar and keyboards, Jerry on drums, Simmy and Clement on keyboards, Mulalo on bass, and Samuel on percussion. They also worked with a young Rasta drummer from Pretoria named Jerry, who performed with them during both the recording process and the album’s promotional shows.

In 1995, Harley and the Rasta Family signed directly with CCP Records and released their self-titled album. The project was mixed and co-produced by legendary reggae musicians Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare in Kingston, Jamaica. One of the tracks, The Lord Is My Rock, gained widespread recognition, and its music video helped the album win the Best Reggae Album category at the 1997 SAMA Music Awards.

In 1998, Colbert recorded Phanda (which means “Forward”), an album that had a stronger roots reggae influence compared to his previous work. It featured bold Venda lyrics mixed with a few love songs. The album was produced by his younger brothers—Mulalo, Simmy, Clement, and Sammy—while Colbert worked alongside the well-known music professor, Prof. Khumalo, who was teaching at the University of Venda at the time.

The following year, in 1999, Colbert released Why? while still working under CCP Records as Harley and the Rasta Family. His wife, Julia, and his sister, Nkhangweleni, provided background vocals, along with session musicians from Johannesburg. His younger brother, Mulalo Mukwevho—who was also a bassist, sound engineer, songwriter, and arranger—played bass on several tracks, with additional support from Jabu Sibumbe of Stimela. Ntokozo Zungu handled lead guitar, while Ephraim Letsholo from Da Ghetto contributed piano sessions. This was the last album officially released under CCP Records in December of that year.

In 2000, Colbert returned home and recorded Muthu Ndi Nne (which means “I’m a Good Man”) under his own label, Ngoma Dza Tshitomboni Records. He also worked from home to create a demo using a computer, laying the foundation for Here I Am, an album by his son, Percy. This album was later recorded with Ian Osrin in Northcliff while Colbert continued refining Muthu Ndi Nne under his music publishing company, Ngoma Dza Tshitomboni Music Publishing.

That same year, CCP Records approached Colbert to help produce Worshipping Your Love, an album by fellow reggae musician Senzo.

In 2001, Harley and the Rasta Family recorded Doomsday under CCP Records, with Bruce Williams as the producer. However, the album was never officially released by the label.

By 2003, Colbert had shifted back to solo work, collaborating with Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Program (TVEP) to record Mulovha, Namusi na Matshelo (which translates to “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”). The album opened with a special TVEP Song, reflecting his involvement in the project.

In 2005, Tshigotshanama was remixed and re-recorded, with new additions such as the Shangaan love song Na Ku Rhandza (meaning “I Love You”) and another fresh track, Ni Mu Fhe (A Fure) (meaning “Look After Her”).

In December 2007, Colbert released a four-track single titled Mmbwa I Do La Mmbwa (which means “Dog Will Eat Dog”). The tracks included One Harmony (A Tribute), Every Dog Will Have His Day, Ndi A Zwi Funa (U Ni Funa), and the title track, Mmbwa I Do La Mmbwa. At the time, he was actively working on the full album with his younger brother Mulalo, who played bass, added keyboard overdubs, and arranged the music. A new member, Manu, also contributed to the project on keyboards. Colbert’s son, Percy, provided backing vocals, and Colbert expressed his appreciation for his contributions, saying, “Percy has done a wonderful job on the backings, we feel blessed to have him.” The album was scheduled for completion on October 26th, Colbert’s 43rd birthday, though the official release date was yet to be determined by Ngoma Dza Tshitomboni Music Publishing.

A year later, on December 19, 2008, the long-awaited full version of Mmbwa I Do La Mmbwa finally hit the market, just days before Christmas. The album opened with a prayer hymn, Mbilu Yanga Vuwa, which blended seamlessly with So Long Rastafari Call Ya, a song originally by the Marleys, carrying a shared message: “The enemy surround you, trying to devour you; So long Rastafari a call ya.” The album was marketed and distributed by Thom-Alpha Entertainment.

Musically, the album offered a rich mix of reggae sounds. The second track began with a traditional reggae-style snare, followed by a deep, steady rhythm section with a laid-back yet powerful bassline and hard-hitting drum patterns. Holly Mt. Zion stood out as a soulful, melancholic track, while the militant I Am A Rastaman reinforced Rastafari’s unshakable presence. The previously released songs were refreshed with new elements, particularly Pondo’s lead guitar. The title track was a fully produced studio version, moving away from the dub-style version featured on the single. It carried influences of Peter Tosh and the original Wailers, fused with African-inspired melodies.

Colbert described the album as a melting pot of various musical styles. He explained, “This album is a mix of jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock, and traditional sounds, all combined into reggae. Because reggae music is every music, y’know. The first rhythm was reggae—the foundation, the feeling. That’s where every music starts, seen? Good.”

Beyond its musical depth, the album’s title, Mmbwa I Do La Mmbwa, was thought-provoking. The project carried messages of resilience and social justice, with tracks like Do U Kanda (Wa Fa) and Fire Burn Inna Babylon encouraging people to stand up for their rights. On the other hand, it balanced these themes with uplifting songs like Try Again and heartfelt love tracks such as Thru All Tribulations and the widely acclaimed hit Ndi A Zwi Funa (U Ni Funa).

For this project, Colbert recorded under the name Colbert Mukwevho & Family. His four younger brothers—Simeron, Mulalo, Samuel, and Clement—were featured on the album cover, emphasizing the family’s deep involvement. Most of the backing vocals were performed by Percy, though some tracks featured harmonies by Colbert and Percy together, or Colbert alone. Given its strong themes and relevance, the album was expected to remain in circulation and serve as a timeless addition to his catalog.

Sadly, in 2020, Colbert’s wife, Juliah Mukwevho, passed away at Siloam Hospital after a brief illness. The news prompted a visit from the Executive Mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, Cllr Dowelani Nenguda, who paid his respects to the grieving family.

Albums

• 1984 – Ni Khou Livha Luwani 
• 1985 – Gaku La Vhuswa Zwalo 
• 1986 – Monthend Lover 
• 1990 – Lion In The Sheep Skin – Harley and The Rasta Family (CCP Records) 
• 1992 – I Do Nela Rothe (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 1993 -Hoyo Wanu O Naka (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 1994 – Tshigotshanama (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 1998 – Phanda (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 1999 – Why? – Harley and The Rasta Family (CCP Records) 
• 2000 – Muthu Ndi Nne (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 2001 – Doomsday (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 2003 – Mulovha, Namusi na Matshelo (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 2005 – Tshigotshanama (Remastered) (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 2007 – Mmbwa I Do La Mmbwa (Single) (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 2008 – Mmbwa I Do La Mmbwa (Full Version) (NDT Music Publishing)
• 2011 – Save Da ‘Hildren (NDT Music Publishing)
• 2013 – Lion & Son O’Lion (Live) (NDT Music Publishing)
• 2015 – Doomsday (Remastered) (NDT Music Publishing)
• 2020 – Down But Not Out (Adziambei Music Academy) 
• 2021 – Best of Dr. Mukwevho (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 2022 – Ri A Dikona (NDT Music Publishing) 
• 2023 – Mulovha Namusi Na Matshelo
• 2024 – Doomsday
• 2024 – Muthu Ndi Nne 
• 2024 – Lion in a Sheep Skin