Grahamstown-born singer Nombasa Maqoko, who quit her job as an intern recruitment consultant to follow her passion for music, will be one of the artists at the Sunday Pholas special anniversary show this weekend.
Sunday Pholas is a local initiative that gives artists a platform to share their craft. For the past two years, the event has successfully attracted musicians from all over the province to East London.
The 26-year-old left her job at Abantu Staffing Solutions late last year to follow her call in music. “In February last year, I worked on a theatre production with Amanda Botha and it made me feel alive. It was my first time doing theatre and I realised then that my energy is for that,” she said.
For the past six years, Maqoko was based in East London and dedicated most of her time as a member of the worship team at God Adventure. It was during her time at God Adventure that she started writing Xhosa songs for the worship team.
“I’ve always loved music while growing up. This year I decided to pursue what makes me feel alive. I am hoping to break out in the industry and share my music with the rest of the world,” she said.
Maqoko said leaving her job was hard because of the support and relationships she had formed but knew her heart was in the music.
“I had the opportunity to grow in the company and it really helped me deal with people but I had to follow my heart,” she said.
The Xhosa singer said her family has been supportive of her chosen career path.
“My mother wants me to have a degree in music, she doesn’t want me to sing without having something solid,” she said.
Maqoko said this year she would focus on building her brand and also learn more about the technical side of music.
“I am planning on studying music and also do a bit of travelling around the province. I want to establish myself as a singer around the Eastern Cape first,” she said.
The afro-soul singer said she would also be hosting her first solo show in East London next month. “I’ve never had my own show before. I’m nervous and excited at the same time.”
Catch Nombasa alongside other soul music artists at the Sunday Pholas anniversary event at the Arts Theatre on Sunday from 2pm. The event will also feature poets, rap artists and comedians. Tickets for the show cost R30 and will be sold at the door. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Budding musician set to rock EL
Sunday Pholas is a local initiative that gives artists a platform to share their craft. For the past two years, the event has successfully attracted musicians from all over the province to East London.
The 26-year-old left her job at Abantu Staffing Solutions late last year to follow her call in music. “In February last year, I worked on a theatre production with Amanda Botha and it made me feel alive. It was my first time doing theatre and I realised then that my energy is for that,” she said.
For the past six years, Maqoko was based in East London and dedicated most of her time as a member of the worship team at God Adventure. It was during her time at God Adventure that she started writing Xhosa songs for the worship team.
“I’ve always loved music while growing up. This year I decided to pursue what makes me feel alive. I am hoping to break out in the industry and share my music with the rest of the world,” she said.
Maqoko said leaving her job was hard because of the support and relationships she had formed but knew her heart was in the music.
“I had the opportunity to grow in the company and it really helped me deal with people but I had to follow my heart,” she said.
The Xhosa singer said her family has been supportive of her chosen career path.
“My mother wants me to have a degree in music, she doesn’t want me to sing without having something solid,” she said.
Maqoko said this year she would focus on building her brand and also learn more about the technical side of music.
“I am planning on studying music and also do a bit of travelling around the province. I want to establish myself as a singer around the Eastern Cape first,” she said.
The afro-soul singer said she would also be hosting her first solo show in East London next month. “I’ve never had my own show before. I’m nervous and excited at the same time.”
Catch Nombasa alongside other soul music artists at the Sunday Pholas anniversary event at the Arts Theatre on Sunday from 2pm. The event will also feature poets, rap artists and comedians. Tickets for the show cost R30 and will be sold at the door. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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