The kingdom’s Afro-soul sensation, Sandziso Matsebula, widely known by his stage name Sands, is entering a new chapter of his career defined by spiritual alignment and musical maturity. From the hilly landscapes where his journey began to becoming a household name across Southern Africa, the artist has spent the past year recalibrating his vision to ensure his craft resonates with a deeper purpose.
Currently, Matsebula has made a significant return to the stage while simultaneously ‘cooking’ a highly anticipated new music project “Sands has been back on stage, while cooking his new project. This upcoming body of work follows a period of intentional silence where the artist navigated the complexities of both the music industry and business. The goal has been to accommodate the inevitable changes within the global soundscape while creating a unique acoustic identity that is set to stand above the rest.
When comparing his current position to his earlier days in the industry, it is evident that Matsebula has undergone a profound transformation: “I am musically matured”. He is now more focused on live performances, a move that highlights his vocal prowess and stage presence. This shift is not merely technical, but deeply personal. He has integrated more spirituality into his music, ensuring that every note and lyric represents his authentic self. “I have included more spirituality in my music as it has to represent the person that I am. there are a lot of collaborations we have set up to include in our new music, which I’m sure many shall be impressed.”
The artist noted that the year 2025 was dedicated to realigning his business and future. He identified spiritual growth as his most significant achievement of the past year. Matsebula made the deliberate decision to immerse himself in faith, seeking to be ordered by the Most High, Yahweh. This internal shift has laid the foundation for the next phase of his career, providing a sense of clarity that was previously missing.
Despite the time taken for introspection, the demand for Matsebula’s talent remains high. The 2025 festive season proved to be exceptionally busy, with a schedule of bookings extending well into January: “This festive season has been very busy as we are still taking gigs even”.
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