Grahamstown kwaito artist Siyanda Fufuthu has just released his second album, and says he'll always stay true to his Eastern Cape roots.
Grahamstown kwaito artist Siyanda Fufuthu has just released his second album, and says he'll always stay true to his Eastern Cape roots.
Siyanda recorded his latest offering, Iinzame, featuring his cousin Siphosethu Peter, at the East London-based Miriam Makeba Centre of Performing Arts. Grahamstown sound engineer Corinne Cooper also had a hand in the project.
Siyanda believes he's on an upwards trajectory, having scooped the kwaito music category in the 2008 Cacadu Achievers' Awards and the Unique Talent award during the Makana Civic Awards in the same year. His first album, One Microphone, was recorded at the local Sonic Arts studio and was released in 2008.
"Some of my songs have been played on UMhlobo Wenene FM and people would call me to place CD orders after listening to them, or the deejay would call to tell me people liked my music," he said.
He also features in Best of Makana CD which was recorded two years ago at Sonic Arts.
Despite the lures of bigger cities, he promised he would stay in the Eastern Cape artist until every corner of the province knew his music.
"I don't want to be seen in Johannesburg collecting awards while on the other side I've never been in Eastern Cape awards," he said. "People must learn to start growing at home."
Siyanda told Grocott's Mail he felt his album would sell all over South Africa if only he had a good promoter. And as far as this reporter is concerned, he's right: the album is a high-quality recording that locals should support and promote, before someone from Johannesburg comes and does the job.
It consists of nine tracks with strong lyrics, good rhythms and an enthusiasm that keeps listeners on the dancefloor. The album deals with social issues such as relationships, HIV/Aids, child and women abuse and poverty.
His favourite song is the title track, in which he talks about his personal struggles.
* To buy Siyanda's CD, call him on 073 898 0585. Some of his songs are also available online.
