Bathabise Vokwana / 26 / Singer, Songwriter & Business Owner
When was your break into the music industry?
I started in the music industry as a backing vocalist in 2013. My big break as a solo artist was the hit SAMA nominated feature with Kwesta, Ngiyazfela Ngawe.
Amongst your others singles, ‘African Queen’ has been a well-received song, did you think it would be this big?
I never really anticipate how big my songs are going to be, I just write them from the heart and hope that it connects with the listener and African Queen absolutely surpassed my expectations which is pretty cool.
Balancing your schedule must come with a lot of pressure, when do you find time to relax?
I hardly get time for myself these days but I love to use my pockets of spare time to do the things that I love, like going to gym and hanging out with my sisters and close friends. This helps me to recharge my soul.
Do you prefer performing live or spending time in the studio?
I love both but performing live is more fulfilling in the sense that I get to see how the music I make affects people first hand. There’s nothing more heart-warming than having people sing your songs back to you.
What do you believe females in the industry need to focus on?
Empowering other females and working as hard as the males in the industry do.
Any plans to collaborate with other African artists?
I would love to! I’m a huge fan of East and West African music and fellow African artists.
Has your current life always been your dream?
Yes, since I was a little girl, so I’m glad to be living it!
One thing you’d still like to achieve in your career?
So many more things, I’ve only been in the music industry as a solo artist a little over a year, I feel like it’s only the beginning for me but first off I’d love to win a SAMA award.
Any words of wisdom for aspiring artists that would love to one day be where you are?
If you feel like your dream is your purpose then pursue it relentlessly. Never make a decision based on desperation and stay humble and hungry.
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–Bridgette Makhela