Walter Sisulu University journalism graduate and gospel singer, Siphokazi Sondishe, has been making waves on social media and digital music streaming platforms after independently releasing three singles on October 29.
A day before the official release date, one of the songs, titled Injongo Yakho, had already reached number 2 on Apple Music’s gospel charts, a great stride for the singer who has not officially released music in over 10 years.
Injongo Yakho, Emveni Konogumbe (After the Storm) and Manifest are a fusion of traditional gospel, jazz and contemporary Afro-jazz songs, taken from a live recording done at the Guild Theatre, East London, with support from Gugu Mbuku (GME Multimedia), Arom Bellem, and her church, Miracle Centre.
“The response has been heart-warming. People have been sending messages, pouring their hearts out about the impact the music has in their lives and that’s what matters most. People have waited long enough for my release, not just from this project but since my first release,” she said.
Between 2014 and 2017, Sondishe studied at WSU and obtained a national diploma, as well as Bachelor of Technology in Journalism; after which she briefly worked for the Eastern Cape radio station, Wild Coast FM.
“Doing journalism gave me courage to write and develop from the young girl that used to write short stories and expressions of her heart in a hidden diary somewhere.
“I have been writing a worship leadership manual, which will be launched soon,” she said.
In 2009, Sondishe released her first album, with assistance from one of South Africa’s biggest gospel producers, Sizwe Zakho, and Pastor Khaya Mayedwa.
She has also shared stages with the likes of Lebo Sekgobela, Dumi Mkokstad, and Pastor Benjamin Dube.
Though her first love has always been music, Sondishe remains an avid learner, who constantly challenges herself to hone her multiple gifts, including fashion design and versatile broadcasting, and was recently ordained as a worship pastor.
Multiple record companies have approached the Mdantsane-born musician, but she insists that despite the challenges of being an independent artist, she is adamant about making it work, and becoming an influence for young people in the Eastern Cape.
With her music, Sondishe aims at preaching God’s love, repentance, and recovery, in a world that is infested with negativity and apathy.
“It is possible to make a positive difference in our society.
“I want to see kids dream big dreams and actually have trustworthy big sisters and brothers they can go to, to seek guidance and support to reach the full potential in life,” she said.
Her latest songs can be found on streaming platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, and YouTube.
