The modest and petite Jabulile Mabapa gets her soft voice heard through amapiano music.
The singer and songwriter, mostly known in her music community in Msogwaba as Mancane, is on her way to break through the music industry and vies to be one of Nsikazi’s greatest.
Mabapa started singing at church services, morning devotions at schools and talent shows when she was just six. She said she was influenced by the late music giants, Brenda Fassie and Michael Jackson.
“My father’s love of music also played a big role in my love of it. We used to listen to jazz music and sang along the smooth piano and trumpet sounds. He is the one who helped prepare for church solos and concerts,” she said.
As time went by, she made music a priority, grasping the intricate aspects about it and keeping an open mind to learn more. The start of her music career this year saw her release three songs.
“My debut single is a song about love, called ‘Ngikulindile’. I was inspired by the love my parents shared with each other. My mother would always wait for my father to come back home very late and I was glad I witnessed that kind of love. My second single is called ‘Ubuso be ncwadi’. It is a IsiZulu translation of Facebook. It was inspired by my sister’s love of the social media platform,” she said.
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Her latest single was inspired by something she used to do when she was younger.
“I used to steal the money left for bread when I was in primary school. My parents would always come back from work and noticed I had not bought bread, but used the money for sweets and snacks. The song is called ‘Imali ye sinkwa’. I love this song, because it is fun and groovy. I believe anyone would enjoy it.”
Mabapa said music has played a great role in her healing and acceptance of her father’s death in August.
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“My parents have always been great supporters of my music, and my mother has been encouraging me to put my pain in my music, which I am doing for my debut album that will be released next year,” she said.
The young vocalist said she wishes music takes her on international stages like her idol, Nkosazana Daughter.