Local artist shares her love of music with the nation
Daveyton - Six unsigned artists from around South Africa have been named as finalists in this year’s Castle Milk Stout Unplugged talent search competition.
And Phumla Sibanyoni (29), from Daveyton, has made the cut.
Sibanyoni will now be one of the six artists to be mentored by South African musical group The Muffinz.
“The place I call home is Daveyton, deep in the heart of the East Rand, and it’s the calm and love I get there, that I have yet to experience elsewhere, that makes it my special place of safety, joy and inspiration,” she says.
“My love of music dates back to 2003, when I first stepped into a recording studio and the experience became the overwhelming passion I have for what I do today.”
Sibanyoni describes her unique style of music as ”Fused-Afro-Jazz”, mixed with a dash of traditional Afro-Pop, with some live elements, and she says this is what makes her stand out from the crowd.
“I am a native of South African music who aspires to be a songbird of the global community,” she says.
“If I could perform on any stage, anywhere in world, it would have to be out at Easter Island, the exotic private island also known as Rapa Nui, in South Eastern Polynesia.
“I would love to stage an annual music festival there, allowing me to establish not just a flagship event, but also a comfortable platform for other artists and creatives to tap into new markets each year.”
Describing her personality, Sibanyoni says she is a strong-willed, driven and detail-intrinsic creative.
And the passion for life and what she does, have truly met at one intersection.
She adds that her greatest accomplishment to date is staying true to herself and following through with her dream of living out her art.
“My plans for my music career seem pretty simple on paper, but go far deeper than being recognised for my immense artistry and acknowledged for my contribution to the global music community.
“I want to engrave my name on people’s hearts,” she says.
Castle Milk Stout’s general manager, Julian Remba, explains that their brand has long been a supporter of unplugged music and is really excited with the amount of talent that has come forward as the unplugged competition celebrates its second year.
“For a young, unsigned artist to get the opportunity to perform alongside some of the country’s most established artists is a fantastic mentorship opportunity,” he says.
“The finalists will also each have an opportunity to perform a cover track with The Muffinz.”
Some time during this month, the finalists will further compete at three exclusive concerts on the Castle Milk Stout Unplugged Tours in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, alongside The Muffinz and DJ Kenzhero, as they seek to be named as the best talent in the genre of soul and RnB.
The winning artist will receive R20 000 in cash, plus a contract with Universal Music, where their best track will be recorded, polished and promoted for six months.
