Masikane’s genuine love for sa’s Zahara

He has made his name in the music local music scene and even won a SATMA award in 2009, this is Sifiso Simelane better known by his stage name ‘Masikane’.

The energetic artist spoke to Gcwala about his up-comimg album and his undying love for South African music sensation Zahara.

Gcwala -You have been in the music industry for a while how has the journey been?
Masikane - Well since my first album ‘Phela Viki’ which won me a SATMA award I have been blessed to tour around southern Africa to countries like Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho and of course South Africa and many more where I was overwhelmed to realise my music was so warmly received .To have people ask for your autogragh after a performance in a foreign country is really a blessing .

Gcwala- You are now 39 did you ever think you would be in the music business growing up?
Masikane- Definitely , it may have clicked during a later stage in life but the truth is I was singing from a young age. When we were herding cattle I would be composing songs in my head and sing them out loud. In my sleep I always dreamt of myself in full song until one day I decided to wake up and write down the words. That is when I realised I was meant to be an artist .

Gcwala-How was it like winning the SATMA award
Masikane- That was a dream come true, the fact that I was singing in vernacular and that was traditional song in the truest sense but it grabbed peoples attention, I realised that finally winds of change had come and our music would be recognised at last .

Gcwala-what do you think we still lack in the music industry in Swaziland in order to succeed further and compete on international scale?
Masikane- We lack in the marketing side ,as soon as one records an album that’s it .Yet after that the hard work of selling it to their masses begins. Hence my dream of opening a studio one day where it will not only end with recording but also focus on the full production, marketing and packaging of the product.

Gcwala-So your future plans include owning a studio?
Masikane- Of course yes! I want one here in Swaziland for the Swazi talent .

Gcwala-When is your new album out and a hint on the title?
Masikane- It is all done, all 10 tracks and it will be out in stores mid August .It is titled ‘Music Ye Africa’. It is more afro jazz and features Vele-mseni and Crax. I tried to make it as diverse as possible, I’m sure even the youth will love the duo with Crax.

Gcwala- Any apecial song in the album that stands out for you ?
Masikane - It has to be the one titled ‘Zahara’,this one is dedicated to South African artits Zahara of Loliwe fame .I love that woman and basically if you listen to the song I am courting her to come and be my Swazi bride .

Gcwala - Wow! Is it just a song or you really have  a crush on her ?
Masikane - Its not just a song nor just a crush, I am in love with that woman. What’s not to love, the voice, the looks, the pure raw talent that is Zahara. I do love her and I hope she hears this song I specially wrote for her .That one would be my wife any day.

Gcwala - Well , we hope she hears it and meets up with you soon. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time
Masikane - Definitely i will own  a studio and promoting local talent .

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: