He may be soft-spoken, but Sibonelo is a beast when it comes to studio time and live performances. His love for releasing inspirational ditties with a celestial bias is something inborn.
The KZN-based singer and songwriter has a new album out and his fans should be happy that it was not a long wait.
“I decided to make new music in a matter of three years,” he said.
“This being my fourth album, I wanted to give the listener something he hasn’t heard from me before.”
If you know his older music and listen to the latest album, Kwakumele Ahlushwe, you will notice the difference. It is not in the sound and arrangement, but in the lyrics and the message he is obviously passionate about.
“I speak a lot about my journey in the spiritual realm. There have been a lot of challenges I faced and I want to talk about them through song,” he said.
“The idea is to inspire someone out there who may be going through the same challenges I did.”
Though he is a great singer and also has the midas touch when it comes to songwriting, Sibonelo still lets other writers help on his projects.
“I worked with uSipho Makhabane on Bayede Nkosi Jesu and that was an amazing experience. Other people who helped me out with great ideas include Percy Ingle and Timothy Miyeni,” he said.
These collaborations with big names in the industry drives Sibonelo to perform with seasoned singers.
Given that he has been in the industry since 2001, he has paid his dues and deserves to work with whomever he pleases.
“I would love to sing with Rebecca Malope. God gave me a chance to work with the big fish (Sipho Makhabane) who is an established singer and producer.
“He does production work for Rebecca, so I think since we work with the same producer we could make some great music. I hope one day the plan will come together,” he said.
The video for Sibonelo’s album’s title track, Kwakumele Ahlushwe, is doing well on TV.
Radio is also playing that song and this is leading up to a national tour for the project.
“We plan to go all around KwaZulu-Natal and then Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. We will publish dates soon so that all those who support us will know where we will be performing.
• Kwakumele Ahlushwe is available at all reputable music stores.