YOUNG SISTAS IN MUSIC

Qhama Dayile, our intrepid soul music aficionado, explores a new breed of artists that are pushing boundaries in their worlds. This is the hook-up of the young sistas that consistently deliver quality, soul-stirring music. The mainstream media might not give them the attention they deserve, but we at Encore would like to urge you guys to seek and find these sistas' music. They are the truth! Real Talk.

Zonke - Soul R& B


This soul music phenomenon has been singing hooks for kwaito star Thebe, the late TK, Loyiso Bala, Skizo and Mafikizolo. She has worked with the internationally acclaimed Frank Roger and still continues to mesmerize. After journeying from Bloemfontein, Zonke arrived in Johannesburg with one goal in mind - to bring her musical career to life. Zonke has been a backing vocalist for Joe Nina and the late Wendy Mseleku. She has built a relationship with Jazzkantine from Germany and took part in creating the song “Africa, my mother land” and after that the band Culture Clan, a trio of musical talent that toured the world, was established. After the band received a Metro Fm award in 2004 and a Channel O-best video award in 2005, Zonke found wings and flew to Kalawa Jazmee Records with Oscar ‘Oskido’ Mdlongwa and has now released her solo album which tells all about her ‘Life, Love ‘n Music.’ Her album has been nominated at the 2008 MTN SAMA Awards.

Siya Makuzeni- Jazz artist


Siya began playing trombone at the school’s Jazz Band and Big Band until her completion in 2000. Siya did her BMus degree at Rhodes University, where she also took up Drama and Physical Theatre. A year later, she decided to transfer to a more specialized study field and enrolled at the Pretoria Technikon Music School, studying a BMus Jazz degree. During this time she entered many Jazz competitions, her most accomplished being the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters, where she secured the Regional Finalist in Johannesburg for Jazz Vocals in 2002. Siya has also managed a hand-full of international acts.

Ntsiki Mazwai- Rhythmic poetry performer


Ntsiki comes from a musical, creative and political family. Ntsiki has managed to create her own identity. She was involved with a group of poets, beat boxers and performers from Johannesburg named Feela Sister, she has her bead making label ‘House of Mobu. After her popular “Sana u-Wrongo” radio hit she released her album and went straight to Amsterdam for the Rotterdam Film Festival. Upon her return, she has appeared on many TV magazine shows and now recently featured nude in a local female magazine promoting the appreciation of women and the disregard some men have for women.

Claire Phillips- R&B fused with jazz and hip-hop


The Cape Town born artist learnt to write music, perform and play guitar at a young age. Claire has worked with Kalawa Jazmee’s Oskido, has been an opening act for Freshlyground amongst many other achievements, she has been listed as one of Cape Town’s hottest acts by a local radio station. Claire won he MTN SAMA award for Best R&B/Soul Album in 2007. This phenomenal voice has won the 13th Annual SAMA Award for her album ‘Say my Name’.

Pebbles Soul

Pebbles is a talented singer and songwriter who was born in Port Elizabeth yet bread and buttered in the UK. This soulful sister has collaborated with hip hop musicians Tumi of Tumi and the Volume, Zubz, 34oml, Kheti, H2o and many other fellow Outrageous Records artists. In 2003 Pebbles sung the title track on the hip hop/poetry and R&B Expressions CD. Pebble’s latest album is out in stores now.