Phumelele Mathunjwa started her singing career at Witbank Arts Campus in 2010 and since then she has grown.
Phumelele love for sing was always there. “I just didn’t notice it or pay much attention to it because when I turned 12 years old and my class in Liberty Christian College (Cathy Crichton being my then music teacher) asked me to sing for them, it felt as though I’ve been singing all my life. As cliché it may sound but the more I performed it felt as though I was born to do it,” said Phumelele with a smile.
Now Phumelele’s musical voice and musical background comes for her family.
Her mother Thuli was her first vocal coach. Thuli was a choir mistress in the schools she taught and also in the church they attend, The Salvation Army.
Phumelele her father Joseph and her older brother, Sithembiso are in the same brass band in the church in which they play the cornet.
“I play the second cornet. I can also say that my little brother Joel is following on the steps too. At the age of five, during his free time, he takes his music stand, music and euphonium and just blows it. Surprisingly the sound comes so clear and loud,” said Phumelele.
Recently Phumelele qualified for the ‘Just You’ competition.
The ‘Just You’ competition is where they scout out singers, dancers, actors and models.
“They help upcoming talented young people to make their dreams become a reality. It also exposes you to a number of scout agencies that can help you further your dreams,” continued Phumelele as she explained.
The competition will take place from June 23 to July 3 in Orlando, Florida.
Phumelele sees herself in front of a crowd of young people, leading, helping and restoring hope in the future.
“Being the voice for the voiceless. It could be through my singing or through my outspoken character. Either way even if it is just one person that can look back and say “I was able to do this/get through this or conquer this, because of the hope Phumelele Mathunjwa restored in me and the faith she had in me” I will be happy and motivated to continue,” said a very cheerful Phumelele.
Phumelele was then asked who her role model is in life and very quickly she answer.
“My parents of course! As common as it may sound, they truly are my role models reason being I know them. They have instilled Christian characters in my life. I am thankful for that because that is and will be the personality that will always single out me from the many a grounded and God –fearing “star.” They made me who I am today. They taught me to stand firm in what I believe in and know what I want in life, in that way making sidetracking not an option,” said Phumelele.
Phumelele would like to give other children out there some motivation.
“My motivation is, if you have a talent or a dream, do not shy away, be fearless and make a difference using it. It is truly a God given gift that no one else has received it the way you have, hence making you a unique master piece! Know what you want in life, and do whatever it takes to get there and forget everything else that will be a burden making it harder to reach your goals,” said Phumelele.
Like a student in my school once said; “Ain’t none to it, but to do it,” said Lulama Mabuza
