LISTEN: A song for every struggling youngster out there
Afro-Pop artist, Siyabonga Nkabinde said many people thought he wouldn't amount to anything after he couldn't finish his Grade 12 in 2019.
Siyabonga Nkabinde, an Afro-Pop artist, said many thought he wouldn’t go anywhere in life, especially after having failed to complete his Grade 12 in 2019.
But now, the 21-yeard-old is proud to be the one who is restoring hope in youngsters through melodies.
Siyabonga said his only crime was wanting to be different from the modern-day ‘cool kids’, because he won’t sing about cars, money or pretty girls, or simply boast.
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Born and bred in Badirile, Siyabonga said while growing up he was discriminated against because people thought he was ‘too different’ to achieve anything.
After a fall-out with a singing group last year, he decided to establish himself as solo artist through his up and coming record label, Nakinde Records (NKR). He did it with a firm believe that music is meant to heal souls and mend broken hearts, and be used as spiritual guidance – not to mislead people.
I was led onto this path because young people, especially those from impoverished backgrounds, are going through a lot. Not much is being done to address this issue,” Siyabonga said.
Many young people are left heartbroken by issues such as depression, teenage pregnancy, poverty, unemployment and peer pressure, and he talks about many of these issues in his music.
He added that he could relate to some of the issues because while growing up, he was always judged harshly for being different and never living up to anyone’s expectations.
He said he wanted people to know that although he did not impress academically, he still has a role to play in the world.
Siyabonga has released a song titled Ebumnandini (loosely translates to ‘a place of joy’), and said he dedicated it to every youngster out there who may be facing a difficult time.
No matter what people are going through, they should never let negative perceptions from others prevail, he said.
Don’t let people’s opinions hold you back. At the end day, they’re not facts. Follow your heart and do what makes your happy,” Siyabonga said.
