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Camagwini has been nominated for Best Newcomer and Best African Contemporary album for the 2008 SAMA awards. But after listening to her debut Zivile a couple of times, you have to wonder what all the hype is about. Sure, she has the X factor: Xhosa speaking; luscious dreadlocks; beautiful with colorful head-wraps, face marks and beads. She also has some interesting stories to tell about her rich Xhosa culture and ancestral worship. Moreover, her album’s been produced by acclaimed producer Sipho Sithole 'Malambule', who also produced Siphokazi’s debut album. He has a reputation for identifying true talent and making great music. Great music yes, but talent, well in this case it’s debatable. The music, without a doubt boasts Mzansi’s leading session artists such as bass guitarist Fana Zulu and popular percussionist, Tlale Makhene. She also has sterling backing vocalists such as Khululiwe Sithole and Siphokazi.
However, sista girl cannot sing! As you skip through each song, hoping to find a song you can connect with, it becomes quite disappointing to realize that she’s rather monotonous and talks and chants - not sings - about the same thing over and over again. Her subject matter? Mainly being black, proud and the beauty of Africa, its soul and African heroism. Her album sleeve even states that she was kicked out of the school choir within minutes because of her inability to sing in key. Also, sista gal “had no previous music background and had to be taught from scratch the music scale in order to pitch properly and sing in tune for the recording of her debut” it reveals. She calls herself the ambassador of culture and with those looks and Stone Cherrie inspired outfits she plays the part really well.
Camagwini is a storyteller, an imbongi (praise poet) even and represents her clan really well. The “world” might embrace her as she looks and sounds exotic but some of us are just not buying it. Camagwini has interesting stories to tell and it’s evident that she’s inspired and loves to share these legendary folklore songs. So maybe she can try being a performance poet or something. Stop trying to be a Madosini, another Thandiswa or Simphiwe Dana! As for the SAMA awards, we’ll have to wait and see.
-Gugulethu Mkhabela
However, sista girl cannot sing! As you skip through each song, hoping to find a song you can connect with, it becomes quite disappointing to realize that she’s rather monotonous and talks and chants - not sings - about the same thing over and over again. Her subject matter? Mainly being black, proud and the beauty of Africa, its soul and African heroism. Her album sleeve even states that she was kicked out of the school choir within minutes because of her inability to sing in key. Also, sista gal “had no previous music background and had to be taught from scratch the music scale in order to pitch properly and sing in tune for the recording of her debut” it reveals. She calls herself the ambassador of culture and with those looks and Stone Cherrie inspired outfits she plays the part really well.
Camagwini is a storyteller, an imbongi (praise poet) even and represents her clan really well. The “world” might embrace her as she looks and sounds exotic but some of us are just not buying it. Camagwini has interesting stories to tell and it’s evident that she’s inspired and loves to share these legendary folklore songs. So maybe she can try being a performance poet or something. Stop trying to be a Madosini, another Thandiswa or Simphiwe Dana! As for the SAMA awards, we’ll have to wait and see.
-Gugulethu Mkhabela
