Siphokazi

Siphokazi Maraqana, Afro-Soul artist who hails from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, took the South African music industry by storm with the 2006 release of her debut album “Ubuntu Bam”, which was awarded with a 2007 SAMA award for Best African Adult Contemporary Album. Siphokazi is however no stranger to the stage, having performed at numerous concerts and festivals, both as a backing vocalist and featured soloists with renowned artists such as Tshepo Tsola, Ringo Madlingozi, Mat Matshikiza, Simphiwe Dana, Zamajobe, and Stimela.

Afro-soul is one of those particular genres that is heavily reliant on vocal talent; and if you don’t have that, then forget about it! Coming out from Native Rhythms, is a super gifted vocalist, Siphokazi, with a particularly soulful album ‘Ubuntu Bam’.

A humble and down to earth artist by the looks of things, Siphokazi impresses listeners with a pleasurable sound and once she starts singing, you’d be amazed at what she has to offer.

It was a great pleasure to listen to an album of this caliber, Mamela; this project deserves a place of its own on music shelves countrywide. Siphokazi clearly knows what works for the more mature crowd and the music is reminiscent of the glory days of phatha-phatha and kwela.

Siphokazi’s music is mature, and surprisingly so for a lady this young. With a vocal maturity that belies her tender age and comes across in her music, Siphokazi is practically tailor-made for the mellowed genre.

“Honestly, her work on the ‘Ubuntu Bam’ project has impressed me and for that she gets a round of applause! Come national Jazz festivals, she will be sure to make a fitting stage appearance.”

Appropriate for those soulful Sunday Sessions at home that conjures romance, Siphokazi’s music is akin to a soft massage in itself. ‘Ubuntu Bam’ offers you twelve original compositions assembled with fine live instruments, predominantly featuring piano, percussion and guitar elements.

It’s always great to hear an outstanding album coming from the youth of Mzansi’s finest. Siphokazi has proved to be another ambassador of the jazzy afro-soul sound. Surely Mzansi’s legends, Letta Mbulu, Dorothy Masuku, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makheba would be proud. Yoooo… Siphokazi, u Phash uthi ‘Ndiyabulela’ for the good music!