Amanda Black On New Single, Forthcoming Album And Career Highlights

Amanda Black / Singer & Songwriter

Who is Amanda Black?

A South African musician from the Eastern Cape.

What is the message in your new single ‘Kutheni Na’ featuring Kwesta?

I am venting, talking about how I feel and what I’m going through. There are so many things happening and sometimes I find myself not understanding how to make sense of all the changes we’re going through. It’s all about me being honest with myself. I want people to be okay with not being okay. Kwesta also came on and was honest too in the song and I appreciate that.

Your forthcoming ablum, ‘Mnyama’, tell us the process it took to create this body of work?

When I began making these songs, it wasn’t an album. I just needed to say something and express myself. I decided this year to make an album with all these songs I made during lockdown. The process was about my journey and how I feel. I wanted to be vulnerable and bare. It was about showing my emotions throughout the songs. I needed to be gentle towards myself and I believe it will resonate with people when they listen.

Your journey so far, a highlight that stands out?

Winning my first awards in 2017, such as the SAMAs. Working with the likes of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Anthony Hamilton as well as being nominated for a BET award (hearing Nomzamo say my name at the BETs was everything) and being on the Essence stage (it was virtual but amazing). It’s only my fifth year in the industry but it’s been a beautiful journey so far.

What would you say the South African music industry is doing right in 2021?

I’m seeing artists being fearless, owning themselves and the work they do and it’s going to ripple-effect into owning our stake in the industry. Artists have not taken the ownership as playmakers in the industry but I see it happening now. This is our industry, whatever happens is on us.

Where in the world would you still love to perform?

Everywhere in the world, lol. I’d absolutely love to perform at Madison Square Garden.

What would you say is your ex-factor?

My spirit, it’s the one thing that stands out across the board with every hat that I wear.

Consistency, how do you maintain it?

The people I keep around me, my team and the people that know me push me and keep me consistent. I love what I do and that also keeps me consistent because I remain myself always.

Pick one, money or a man?

I would pick “the man”.

How do your fans play a role in your life?

My fans literally come up to me and tell me how they relate to my music and how it heals them. All the love and support they show me is encouraging, I truly appreciate them.

Follow Amanda!

Instagram: @amandablacksa

Twitter: @AmandaBlackSA

Facebook: @amandablackofficial

-Bridgette Makhela

Sisanda Henna On Acting, Film And What’s Coming Next

Sisanda Henna / 37 / Actor, Film & TV Creator & MC

Being an Actor and Film & TV Creator isn’t an easy career, did you always want this for yourself?

Yes, probably from the age of 14, that’s when I was a part of my first play, an inter house play where I won Best Supporting Actor at a school called Union High School, in the Eastern Cape…ever since then I’ve wanted this!

How does a typical day for you look like?

There is no typical day, some days I’m writing a proposal to pitch something and some days I’m exercising and meditating, then go and see my acting coach. Some days I go MC an event somewhere and some days I’ll go sit and read a script for a couple of hours in a day for a new project and maybe do some research through watching a lot of movies and series. Some days I’ll just take a taxi somewhere, like to Alex and back because I play real people, depending on the person I’m playing, I’ll go and be where those real people are – whether in a shebeen or a law firm. When I’m producing or directing, I could be in meetings were we’re working out budgets, or I could be spending an hour or two going through contracts, then at times I could be in a PR and Marketing workshop. Other days I’ll do a photo shoot. Sometimes I’ll go for a jog or a swim, all of that is part of creation – even the part where you’re resting.

That one thing you can’t survive without when on set would be?

I try to make sure that I am able to survive even without any of the things I enjoy…just like how at some point coffee used to be quite a thing for me. I like my space, and sometimes I’ve had to adjust to places where I sometimes didn’t have a trailer. My earphones are a thing too because if I cut out noise it helps me focus and I can mentally visualize things. Stretching and breathing are also things I do in my own space to help me get into the zone.

South Africa has some seriously talented actors, anyone you look up to for inspiration?

 There are two actors I respect incredibly: Andrew Buckland (some people may know him from Catching Feelings). I saw him in a play probably back in 1999 and he blew me away! I think he is one of the best theatre actors in the world right next to Rowan Atkinson and Jim Carrey, he really inspires me. Another one is Mcedisi Shabangu, saw him in 2005 in a play called Tshepang. I love going to theatre a lot, it really inspires me.

You’ve made a mark in the industry, what’s keeps you consistently creating work and being a part of it too?

I want it more than anything in the world, probably more than living and being alive. I want to make amazing work and that keeps me going, I’m determined to get it!

Favourite film/TV show you’ve been a part of to date?

It’s hard to pick, I’ve loved so many of them for different reasons. I really love ‘Agent’ which is coming to SABC 1 on Sunday nights at 20:30, it starts March 8^th. I’ve loved being a part of season 1 of ‘Trackers’ too, that’s coming to Mzansi Magic as well soon. I also loved being a part of ‘Gauteng Mabongeng’, although I worked on it as series producer and creative director.

What would you like the upcoming generation of actors and filmmakers to know?

It depends on what they want to know and do. There are so many different parts of the industry to go into these days, so it would depend on what they want…makes sense?

Any exciting projects you’d like to share for 2020?

I want to share 2 things: I am going to co-produce and star in a romantic comedy feature film, a big announcement’s about to made soon, it’s amazing! I’m also going to be in a new drama series that is going to be on MNet, although I can’t say much about that at the moment, but when the time comes I definitely want to share the news with you, B Kool Media!

Follow Sisanda!

Instagram: @sisanda_henna

Twitter: @SisandaHenna

Facebook: @SisandaHennaActor

–Bridgette Makhela