Singer-songwriter Ritta Mkhondo is as good as they come. It might have taken her more than 20 years to break through the glass ceiling, but the Daveyton songstress has always known that one day she will make it.
Mkhondo lives by the mantra ‘I do what I love and I love what I do’ and as American musician, Marc Anthony was once said, “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.”
She said her music was influenced by the trials and tribulations that people go through and some of her songs reflect the hurdles she has had to go through to make it in the industry.
“My music is a soul healer and it might save a life when one can relate to the song and its message. I prefer to write my own songs because I know I will write from personal experience or other people’s experiences and make them happy with the songs I write.”
Her musical journey began in 1998 as the leading vocalist in a five-member group called Gumba Fire. When the group fell apart, her love for music never stopped.
“I was singing in a group with four other members from around my community. We were trying to get into the music industry but did not succeed. We made a demo with Shandel Records in Johannesburg and tried to get the recording to different promotions but did not succeed. We then gave up.”
In Sondela (come closer), her first recorded song, she tracks back to that time when she gave up on her dream. She then reminds herself of how far she has come and that rather than looking down, she must come closer to her dreams.
“I want my fans to connect with my music. To come closer to Ritta. The song is also about not giving up. It’s about coming closer to your dreams. If you ever think of giving up, think about why you started. Most importantly, the song is dedicated to my daughter,” she said.
She said she is willing to go the extra mile because of the strong support she has received from her family and friends.
“I am prepared to be strong to face hardships along the way. Nothing shall stop me I won’t give up. Not now, not ever. Especially now that I have a very strong support structure from my family and friends.”
The song has fusions of Afrosoul, house and a little bit of gospel.
“I have songs with different sounds that I will release later. People should buy my music because it’s going to give them joy and happiness. It’s going to be soul healing to different people.”
Sondela has recently been recognised by the Southern Classic Media in Zambia.
The single was released in November. Mkhondo said she submitted it to several radio stations; however, it is yet to receive airplay. It is available on all digital platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.
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