On the 19th of February, 25 years ago a star was born in Frankfort, Free State.
This gem would later be unearthed and polished on the East Rand of Johannesburg in Vosloorus.
Her career started out as an innocent obsession which intensified when her father succumbed to her requests for a guitar. She hasn’t looked back since.
Zamajobe Sithole feels energised and excited as she winds up to celebrate two decades in the music business.
“I still feel like there are so many possible endless opportunities and creative endeavours I want to partake in,” she expounds.
Zama speaks like she has another 20 years in her and a lot more to accomplish.
“I would like to do so much but I think it’s best to take it a step at a time. The tour is obviously going to go to Durban and Cape Town but if we still have time, it would be nice to add other cities as well.”
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She is also at work on her new album which seems to be the ceremonious move for such a momentous milestone.
Zama prides herself on taking time between projects to live life and although she is a household name and well-established, her next project is to be her fourth.
“It is a classic Zamajobe album. I'm really excited about this body of work. It's my first album in over 10 years and I'm looking forward to it,” she explains.
Crafting new work is one of her favourite aspects of this industry and she has refined her process over the years.
“I was excited. One of my favourite creative processes is creating new music. I enjoy that process. It’s very open, vulnerable but also exquisite and I don't mind sharing all of myself that way.”
A significant moment in her ride and career was meeting a master of marketing music in Dave Thompson “who really believed in me from idols throughout my journey from my first album to the second one”.
“It was such a beautiful time and having the ability to create music like that and hear my sound on the radio and then seeing people's reactions and interaction with it at live shows was exhilarating he played a major role in catapulting my career. I was offered contracts Immediately after I was voted out on idols.”
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What a strike of fortune as the old Idols curse would appear to be true, you win you lose. But, if you lose? Well . . . success awaits.
Being a veteran in the game now she has some valuable insights to impart to anyone starting out or looking to.
“Create music that has substance and can outlast trends and music that has longevity. Trust your gut and don’t follow trends as those change regularly. Find your own voice and be innovative.”
This journey has not been devoid of obstacles to surmount which she has and all with the grace that exudes from her music.
“There are challenges in all career paths it’s how you rise above those challenges that inform your journey. I have had my lows personally and creatively but didn’t give up I have persevered and have kept a positive mindset.”
Being able to still create music remains the peak of her enjoyment as a professional musician.
“Being able to sing my full repertoire and observe a delightful reception from the audience like I am doing for the very first time. I feel very lucky, and I don't take that for granted at all and my heart is filled with gratitude.”
The future looks as bright as the advent of her career, and we can only hope the years to come bring with them more music from Zamajobe.
“There's so much talent here at home and there are so many artists I would love to collaborate with. The list is endless. I think it’s just a timing thing with me, but I am looking forward to it in the new future.”
