Spartz’s soulful dream worth fulfilling
Spartz is only reaching for the stars, and with her nominated for the Metro awards it looks like she is about to arrive.
Music is, for many, something they listen to as a form of enjoyment or for soothing those broken hearts but for Spartz Motlhamme, it’s meant to serenade lovers of the neo-soul genre of African Jazz music.
No dreams associated with music were too big to achieve for this vocalist who is celebrating her recent nomination for Best Jazz Album in the Metro FM Music Awards 2023. The event will take place on May 6 at the Mbombela Stadium.
Motlhamme was raised in Alexandra by her single mother. “My mother didn’t have much but always made sure that my siblings and I got the best of everything. She believed in my dreams and always encouraged me to make music because she knew I loved music and wanted me to do it”.
It is this belief that encouraged her to give her best while still at school at Inkanyezi Primary School and thereafter National School of the Arts in Braamfontein.
Although songs and melodies have been part of her for as long as she can remember, Spartz was once too shy to put her music out there. It was about six years ago when she started performing, later releasing her single, Body of Work, in 2018.
It was ultimately her album, 21 & Black that catapulted her to the success she dreamt about.
“I used to be apologetic in how I write and sing, always seeking validation if people will love my music or not. However, now I am giving people my authentic self,” she said.
Her Metro FM nomination is one she is both excited and terrified about since she sees herself as being up against experienced musicians who have been in the industry much longer than she has. “However, I am honoured to be recognised and as someone who has been working hard, it is great to see the results of my work.”
No matter her fears, Motlhamme knows the weight of her musical power. “I am the vessel of my ancestors’ messages, so I am a person who is always present in situations because I’m always putting myself into people’s shoes and that is where I draw all my inspiration when I am writing music.”
In her music career, she plans to refine the art of soul music to inspire her peers. She wants to show them that it’s okay to listen to soul music and that not only is it cool, but it’s not only for the old. She also wished that older musicians within her genre would accommodate young musicians such as herself, more.
The neo-soul singer still has many more dreams to fulfil such as performing with legends Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai.
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