Singer and songwriter Max-Hoba - who has just returned from touring Europe - says the key to longevity in the music industry is humility and perseverance.The soul musician, real name Maxhoba Maponya, said his 15-year musical journey had been a gradual rise punctuated by "the stumbles that come with being an indie artist and label".Maponya began his career as a "backing vocalist and sessionist", mainly for hip-hop artists, including motswako artist Hip-Hop Pantsula, before taking the plunge as a solo artist six years ago. He has just returned from touring Europe, with shows in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Cannes, Copenhagen and Vienna.And Maponya has hit the ground running, with a one-night-only soul performance tomorrow featuring Kelly Khumalo, Kabomo, Moneoa and Njabulo Neh at Carnival City, in Brakpan on the East Rand."I wanted to further invest in my music and brand in Europe," said Maponya, who performed at the recent Unesco Africa week with Moroccan PrincessLalla Salmo."I also recorded a collaboration with a Parisian poet, whose name I can't yet reveal."Maponya said his music was well-received by both foreign and local fans, but the international market offered more opportunities to make a living from music."I definitely enjoy more air-play in the US and Europe than here at home," he said."As an independent artist and label you face more challenges because you don't have the financial, structuring, marketing and public relations support you would get from a big label," he said.'A Soulful Night with Max-Hoba and Friends' takes place tomorrow at Carnival City's Big Top Arena at 7.30pm. Tickets are R150 at Computicket...