After his success at Gallo Records with Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa, Sipho Sithole has again, through his independent record label Native Rhythms Records, and in partnership with EMI Music South Africa, and unearthed a rare gem in the South African music industry with his signing of Siphokazi.
Siphokazi debut album ‘Ndiyabulela’ has been crafted by the SAMA 2006 Award Winning Producer, Lawrence Matshiza with SAMA 2005 Award Winning Producer, Sipho Sithole, as the Executive Producer.
Again, a truly Afro-Soul album that is destined to win the hearts and minds of music lovers and hopefully dominating pulsating sounds of every music system, be it at home, festival, radio, cars, and television…..Born at Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape in 1977, Siphokazi Maraqana, started singing at Sunday school when she was about 7 years old. She was a pre-centre at school, meaning she was the one who started all the songs at the general assembly, before the school started classes. Singing from Primary all the way to Secondary school, Siphokazi received numerous awards as the school songstress.
Arriving in Johannesburg in 1999, Siphokazi joined the Sibikwa Community Theatre project studying basic theory in music before enrolling at East Side College (now Parktown College) to further her music career. Siphokazi’s vocal capabilities were quickly noticed by top muzo’s in Joburg and in no time she joined Bheki Khoza on an overseas tour of Japan before joining the Village Pope, Tshepo Tsola.
She has been singing professionally since then and has featured in big project such Sophiatown (the movie), the Princess Magogo Project (yet to be released) and on Pat Matshikiza’s album where she led in the song ‘Vula Mama’. No doubt! Siphokazi is going to be a power to be reckoned as she embarks on her solo singing career joining what already is a highly competitive vocalist market.