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Mnqobi "Shota" Mdabe was born and bred in Durban, South Africa but he grew up and went to school in Umtata in the Eastern Cape.  He completed a diploma in music at the Natal Technikon in Kwa-Zulu Natal and worked as a vocal lecturer at a college in Ntuzuma township.  During his time at the Natal Technikon, he met Thandukwazi Sikhosana "Demor” & Nkosinathi Maphumulo “Black Coffee" and together they started “Shana”.

In 2001 the group moved to Gauteng to promote their music career and currently he runs his own production company Shota Music, where he has worked with influential artists such as the late Lebo Mathosa and DJ Christos. He has also worked with the likes of Disciples of House, Heavy K, Adam Rios and Timmy Regisford on his upcoming album – combining his sensual tone and lyrics with soulful beats for lovers of quality soulful house music.

In 2014 Shota’s last-born son (3 years old) was diagnosed with Cancer, which left him blind.  He was cleared of Cancer in October 2015 and is now in remission.  These events are the inspiration behind ‘Never Give Up’ - an uplifting song written to encourage and to celebrate the gift of life - emphasizing the fact that we must keep dreaming big, no matter how bumpy the road might be because 'sizophumelela' (we will make it in the end).

Artist Name: Shota

Title: Never Give Up

Written By: Mnqobi Mdabe

Production by: Timmy Regisford, Adam Rios, Mark Francis





