Uluju Music Star: How a Bulawayo-Born Musician is Making Waves in South Africa
Mqaphelisi Nyathi a 42-year- old Bulawayo born musician who dreams of lyrics to sing, is making waves in the South African music industry with his unique blend of Uluju music. The genre combines traditional Ndebele praise poetry with modern musical elements to create a sound that celebrates African heritage.
When asked about his inspiration for Uluju music, Nyathi explains how growing up singing Imbube music, inspired by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Imbizo Cultural Ensemble Bhekimuzi Luthuli among others, sparked a desire to fuse his cultural heritage with modern sounds.
“I wanted to create music that honoured my roots but was also relevant and engaging for a contemporary audience,” he said.
Balancing his cultural identity as a Ndebele from Bulawayo, with his musical career in South Africa has not always been easy. However, language has not been a barrier for him as Ndebele and Zulu languages are the same, making it easy for him to connect with South African audiences
Promotional Challenges
“It’s difficult to get promoters or sponsors as we are still emerging artists. We wish we could get more support from Zimbabwe radio stations and television to start playing our content,” Mdluli explains.
Nyathi’s style and sound have been influenced by some of Bulawayo’s finest musicians.
“I look up to the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi and Busi Mhlongo,” he said. When it comes to composing his lyrics, Nyathi takes proverbs and idioms in Ndebele language and turns them into songs.
“Most of the time, I don’t compose. I dream of the songs, but the few that I compose, I take izaga lezitsho and make a song out of them,” he said.
Like any other emerging artist, Nyathi faces challenges and opportunities in the South African music industry.
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Growing Pains
“It’s tough being a newcomer, and we would love to collaborate with bigger artists,” he revealed, adding that the lack of investment in their talent is a significant setback.
Nyathi hopes that more companies in the industry will invest in young emerging artists like him in the future.
When it comes to collaborating with other artists from different genres, Nyathi highlighted that it’s easy. But he wishes to collaborate with more established artists to help them gain more exposure.
For Our Community
“We have great talent, but we need more support to help us reach bigger audiences,” he appealed.
Nyathi’s music delivers powerful messages that celebrate love, peace, and harmony. His latest track “Don’t Kill Yourself/Ungazibulali” has a powerful message that encourages people to seek help when dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.
“We want the community to know that there is always hope, and they are not alone,” he declared.
Despite the pressure and expectations that come with being a successful Uluju musician, Nyathi remains focused on his goals and dreams. He hopes to dominate the music scene in the future and inspire young artists to follow their dreams.
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Bringing People Together
“I want to use my music to bring people together and celebrate our rich African heritage,” he stated.
As an artist, Nyathi understands that criticism is part of the job. “Critics help us grow and improve, and we appreciate their feedback,” he stated. And as he continues to make strides in the industry, he plans to keep making music that resonates with people worldwide.
In conclusion, Nyathi’s story is one of resilience and creativity. He has shown that with passion, talent, and hard work, it’s possible to make a name for yourself in the music industry.
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WHERE IN SOUTH AFRICA IS THIS SONG AND ALBUM MAKING WAVES? I AM IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ONLY RECEIVED THE SONG VIA WATSAPP. FROM THE OWNER.
PLEASE EXPLAIN SO THAT WE GO AND SUPPORT.
WHERE IN SOUTH AFRICA IS THIS SONG MAKING WAVES>?
Well narrated siyabonga kakhulu qubekani lisenza okuhle emphakathini UNkulunkulu alenzele kahle.