Your very existence
is the recitation
of my own poetry.
Your mere presence,
my offering to the world.
the tone of your voice,
the climax of my craft.
My solemn lyrics,
4 legged as they stand,
are entrenched in your every vein.
Hidden beneath your every breath,
dwells my mesmerising verses,
wrapped faultlessly around your every heartbeat.
My musings, what they call good rhymes,
are enthused and founded on every bit of you,
seamlessly and scrumptiously detailed in my thoughts,
Strand by strand.
Poem: Siza Phohleli
Ntsiki, congratulations on your new single and thank you for taking the time to chat to BUWA.
- Please tell us about your album and where the inspiration came from?
The full album is done but not out yet- but i am getting to ready to release the 1st single 'is it ok' - a track that addresses homophobia
- How is this album different from anything that you have done in the past?
Besides my debut album wihich was a fusion on soul, hip hop and funk, this is the 1st full House project I have ever done. I usually just release a single in the House music genre every year. I worked with Yfm Dj Josi Chave. Another difference is I reflect on more social issues than my usual "girl power" songs. South Africa is going through 'so much' right now- there's so much for artists to say and do.
- You've recently received an award for one of the songs on the album. Tell us about that?
That is the single im about to release, 'is it ok' Is it OK?
- What inspired the song?
I thought it was VERY UNFAIR for people to live their lives in fear. Especially in a community which is supposed to be free for all. Homophobia and Hate are such ugly things and they manifest in such unacceptable ways. It is very important for a community to stand up and be clear that intolerance and violence will not be tolerated. The time has come when straight people have to question themselves about the kinds of messages they are sending out to future generations.
- In your view, what more can be done to engage the public on the challenges faced by the LGBT community and why is this important?
It is so weird because suddenly it kind of feels like there is an awareness that is definitely being created BUT until we are down to "Zero Gay killlings" all we can do is make sure that minority voices are HEARD. On a personal level....I Love partying with gay people.....but....all your clubs are "GAY ONLY" spaces so then I have to watch you get your freak on. "Can we not have clubs where we are all mix masala?"
Are there any live performances where we can catch you?
Every last Sunday of the month I host the MaMa Said Sessions at the Promusica Theater in Roodepoort. They are a lovely and soulful space for poetry and Live Music. They have been running since 2012 and have hosted the likes of Dorothy Masuka, Ringo, Pops Mohamed, Thandiswa amongst other legends of our time.
next one : 24 February at 3 pm
With Love From Siza
" Is it okay to talk about being gay? Is it? Is it?"
We recently met up with the vivacious and electric Ntsiki Mazwai, and got to chat about her new single and what she's working on.
Ntsiki Mazwai's Tribute to LGBTI
I am very active on my social networks. Ntsiki Mazwai on Facebook!
@ntsikimazwai on twitter. I post a lot of my journey there.
My website http://www.ntsikimazwai.co.za also tells you a lot about me.
This is a year of my music! I can't wait to start promoting :-)
"Is it ok'' isn't even officially released yet and its showing some massive destruction is just about to go down, and the thing is once the LGBTI community says 'YES' - it says YES!.
Meeting Ntsiki was a truly blessed experience, and her "Mamma Said " session was incredible! I left with fire in my belly. Do yourself a favour and get down there on 24 February! You'll see what I mean.
Alvee
image courtesy of www.ntsikimazwai.co.za
image courtesy of www.ntsikimazwai.co.za
image courtesy of www.ntsikimazwai.co.za