There is a time and a season for all things on earth, and sitting in a room listening to singer Siphokazi speak puts that scripture into perspective.
The tall, full of melanin, model-like woman sitting in front of me in our interview room seems very content and at ease.
Siphokazi busted into the music industry back in 2008 with her popular song 'Amacala' and her melodic alto won the hearts of many music lovers.
Many SA music lovers adored her song 'Ubuntu Bam' - including reigning Miss SA Ntandoyenkosi Kunene. Kunene will sing Siphokazi's song on the international stage at the Miss World pageant in December.
When I ask Siphokazi if she knew about this, she lights, even throwing in a mini cheerleading move with imaginary pom-poms.
“I received a call from her manager and later from her, requesting to sing my song,” she says.
“I am so honoured and it is just so beautiful that my music is going to the world.”
She believes that her music and talent should be shared as far and as wide as possible.
“Every artist dreams of making music that becomes a worldwide phenomenon. I know that I may not be at that stage yet, but when it is time, it will happen. In the meantime, having 'Ubuntu' Bam' being taken to the world is just so beautiful to watch and truly an honour.”
She goes on to explain that she initially did not plan her “break” from the music industry, but she welcomed it when it arrived. She took the time to raise her children and enjoy married life, but she never stopped singing.
In addition to all the other projects on which she’s been lending a hand, she joined Benjamin Dube for his ‘Sanctified In His Presence’ music project and did corporate gigs.
She says that since her “sabbatical” she has seen evidence of her spiritual maturity in her songs and for that reason she can not box herself musically.
“People may have decided that I am an Afrosoul artist or whatever genre but, I am in a space right now where I am just focused on making beautiful music,” Siphokazi says.
Her new single ‘Ithemba’ is inspired by the need for hope in the world. She is emphasises the fact that she has always been “woke” in the sense that social issues like the education system, women and child abuse, poverty and many others.
“A scripture came to me. Romans chapter 15 verse 13. It says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The single iThemba stems from that scripture, because in Siphokazi’s eyes the world needs a reminder of hope and she is doing her best to provide that, in her own way.
She adds that being a mother puts a different perspective on many social issues and she is prepared to tell these stories in her songs.
“I don’t know what I am going to call my album nor do I know what genre people will place it in, but i know it is going to be great music that feeds the soul and gives us hope,” the singer says in closing.
IOL