Azana On Her Debut Album, What Talent Means To Her And Her Vision For Years To Come

Makhosazana “Azana” Masango / 20 / Singer & Songwriter
 
That moment you knew you wanted to be in the music industry was?
 
At the age of six I had already made up my mind about being a musician, it was something I knew my whole life from then. Performing at preschool for the first time triggered the feeling of wanting to perform.
 
The single ‘Your Love’ has made major waves, did you think it would be this big?
 
Yes, I knew it would do well because it’s very catchy and it’s a cute love message.


 
Why the title ‘Ingoma’ for your debut album?
 
It’s an abstract title. I love abstract art and stories. The idea behind the title is that it’s not just an INGOMA (a song) is not just a song. Its memories, feelings, expressions, stories and messages.
 
What is it about South African music that you admire?
 
I admire how soulful South African music is and I admire the messages our artists give to the people.
 
Is there a team behind your brand?
 
Of course! Bigcitydreams Records is the team behind the magic you see.


 
Got a favourite single from your offering so far?
 
All 14 tracks from INGOMA are my babies and I love them all the same because they all come from my thoughts and I value what I think and write.
 
Talent, what does it mean to you as an artist? 
 
Talent means an advantage to me (which I am aware I do have) but it does not mean a guaranteed success, hard work gives me hope and confidence in all that I do.
 
One thing you could use to change the world would be?
 
I’d use my music to encourage people to think bigger and tackle poverty, racism and inequality.


 
What’s your vision for years to come?
 
I’m wishing to learn more by educating myself about the fields of entertainment, and to improve every time I create or put something out there for someone to see.

 

Follow Azana!

Instagram: @azanamusic

Twitter: @azanamusic

Facebook: @azanamusic

-Bridgette Makhela

Patoranking On Music, Africa And Metro FM Awards Nomination

Patrick Nnemeka Okorie / 27 / Music Artist & Entertainer

How did you get your breakthrough into the music industry?

I got my breakthrough into the music industry after the release of my single ‘Alubarika’, featuring Timaya.

Who are your biggest inspirations?

Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks.

You’re nominated for a Metro FM ‘One Africa’ Award this year, did you ever think ‘No Kissing Baby’ would reach this level?

‘No Kissing Baby’, just like every other song I have dropped, was believed to take me to the next level of my music career. I am grateful to have been nominated, although it was unexpected.

How did you come up with the concept for the ‘No Kissing Baby’ music video?

The concept for the ‘No Kissing Baby’ music video came from team effort, conceptualized even before the director was selected. I am happy with the feedback from my fans and how much they are loving it.

So many people love your music, how do you give back to your fans?

Every  year, I make it a point of duty to go back to the ghetto to encourage, feast and vibe with the people who are still there. I know as God continues to bless me, they too will have more opportunities because I believe in them, in the same manner as I was believed in.

Any artist you would still love to collaborate with?

Definitely, there are tons of artists I would love to collaborate with, if time and chance allow. Future is a huge favourite of mine. There are quite a lot, too many to mention.

What do you think of the current state of Nigerian music?

The current state of Nigerian music is definitely not where it should be yet, at the same time, we are not where we were a few years ago. Growth is present and very good. We are at the point where everyone can recognize that we are playing a huge role in music, both locally in Africa and internationally.

If you could live anywhere in Africa, where would it be?

If I could live anywhere in Africa, I would live in ‘Africa’…One Continent, No Borders!

Do you have an outfit ready for the Metro FM Awards yet?

Yes!

Follow Patoranking!

Instagram: @patorankingfire

Twitter: @patorankingfire

Facebook: @patorankingofficial

–Bridgette Makhela

Fulu Mugovhani On Musical Theatre, Ayanda Movie And The South African Film Industry

Fulufhelo Georginah Mugovhani / 25 / Award Winning Actress

 

Where is Fulu from?

Fulu was born and raised in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

Share your journey into the acting industry…

I’ve always been a singer…sang all my life and also participated in church plays from a very young age. However, I studied all your typical academic subjects (Maths, Geography, Science, etc) until Grade 12, then I had to decide what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life. My dad had just started working at the Tshwane University of Technology as Head of the Performing Arts Department and he handed me a brochure with the word ‘Musical Theatre’ on it – and there it was! I had found something I wanted to do but was also very good at…Singing, Acting and Dancing. After completing my studies at TUT, I immediately landed the role of Nala in the Hong Kong production of The Lion King. This was validation to me and to the rest of my peers who thought I was admitted into the Musical Theatre program because my dad was overseeing the whole department, I did well!

How did you land the Ayanda role?

It’s quite a story, to cut it short: I got a call from Ntathi Moshesh (who had just left Scandal) telling me about the auditions and how they were struggling to find the lead. I went there and I gave my best audition, then I got the part!

You’ve received a lot of love (and awards) since the Ayanda movie, what’s your opinion on the South African film industry in 2016?

Well, my introduction to the film world was just recently with Ayanda, and that did great. As long as we have amazing filmmakers in this country, the industry will only get better.

Do you have a mentor in your field of work?

I look up to a lot of women in this industry that motivate and encourage me both personally and professionally (whether they know it or not). But, my biggest mentor is my mother.

Do you sing in the shower?

Not anymore…now I just wanna shower, and get it over and done with, haha!

How do you keep fit and stay healthy with your schedule?

I try and make time but I’ve learnt not to beat myself up about missing a day or two of gym and eating badly. Life is too short really.

Love or laundry?

Love, but sometimes I’d just rather do my laundry.

Follow Fulu!

Instagram: @fulu_mugovhani

Twitter: @fulu_heart

Facebook: Fulu Mugovhani

 

–Bridgette Makhela