For Mafikizolo star Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza and former wife Nhlanhla, it has not always been about music and the good life but also about the upbringing of their children, their greatest asset.
Now the musicians have been repaid with a new star born in the Nciza family as their first-born son, Nkululeko, 19, is making waves in the music industry.
Nkululeko, who goes by the stage name Ciza Liza, told Vukani that having such good parents was a blessing.
He has cut two singles with them, Come Alive and Adje. And the singles are doing well here and abroad. Within a week they reached close to a million views online.
Nkululeko said he has embraced all the good that his parents have taught him.
However, he as taken another path in the music genre; that of afrobeats – a music genre which involves a combination of elements of West African musical styles with American funk and jazz influences.
He is following in the footsteps of popular African musician, Burna Boy from Nigeria, who he says has changed how afrobeats is seen.
“My music is doing okay in Nigeria. I made a decision that I will not sing what my parents sing but go another way. My music is totally different from theirs but I still love theirs too. I want to represent Africa on the world stage. I also want to represent amaXhosa.
“My goal is to be recognised worldwide and I think that is on the cards. With so many views and comments on YouTube, it shows that I am there,” he said.
Nkululeko not only wants to reach superstar status as a singer, songwriter and performer, he also wants to model and have a business too.
“I want to be a businessman too. I have started a barber franchise. There is a lot that I am learning – age is on my side,” said the Gugulethu man who is now based in Jozi.
He gave credit to his strict parents.
“They are helping me big time to master my craft. I want to work hard under them. They are very hard on me because they want me to succeed and I have accepted the challenge. I now have to work hard and make a name for myself,” he said.
“This is my craft and I am very positive about my capabilities. My followers and fans will experience happiness from my music. I am music and music is me,” he declared.