Up-and-coming Afro-soul singer Nokuthula “Thuladiva” Mzendana from Ngxakaxha in Dutywa released her single titled “Suzulisa” on February 7.
It took her five years to write the song, and her dream was realised after she received a windfall from a songwriting competition hosted by Ukhozi FM and the Buffalo City Metro for a road safety campaign in October last year.
She spent a sleepless night rocking her restless twelve-month-old baby boy, but in the morning, just before leaving the house for the competition, she composed her song and put together the prize-winning tune titled “Masikhuseleke ezindleleni”, meaning “Let’s be safe on the roads”, which won her the prize money.
Speaking to Mthatha Express, she said “Suzulisa” is an Afro-soul song for lovers that was inspired by a conversation she had with a heartbroken friend.
“Her boyfriend could not marry her because he was broke, and because she didn’t want to lose her man, she decided to pay lobola for herself. So, the song says lobola must not always be the responsibility of men because women also want to enjoy marital bliss.”
Mzendana says she believes that in a relationship, men should not be the only ones expected to shoulder the financial burdens. If a woman is financially stable, then it should be acceptable for her to lobola herself.
Taking us through her musical journey, Mzendana says she started singing at a very young age. “I used to sing at school, and as I grew up, I joined church groups and community groups.
“I then started singing solo and performing at various events like carnivals and birthday parties, but when I entered music competitions, I would not win until that fateful day that changed my life when SAMRO, BCM, and Ukhozi FM hosted the contest. That was an amazing experience!
The song is produced by Siyabonga Hlekani from Eternity Studios and is available on YouTube Music, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon, and other music libraries.
