Budding gospel musician, Nolundi Bomela, is beaming with pride after having scooped the award for best IsiXhosa Album at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs), in Durban, on Saturday October 29, for her second album, Eloyi.
The Mfuleni-based musician defeated some of the country’s best musicians, among them poet and singer Jessica Mbangeni who walked away with the song of the year award. Relatively new in the music industry and with a limited fan base, Ms Bomela never imagined she would win the award and before the ceremony, had performed on the streets of Khayelitsha and Mfuleni, urging people to vote for her.
Ms Bomela said even though she knew she had the ability to sing, it never crossed her mind that she would be nominated among the likes of Ms Mbangeni. She attributed her win to dedication, perseverance and hard work, adding that she was a beacon of hope to many upcoming artists.
Asked how she felt when she was announced the winner, she said tears of joy streamed uncontrollably as she walked to the podium to receive the award.
While there were screams and shouting from the crowd when nominees in her category were announced, she said there was complete silence when she was declared the winner. She expressed her sincere gratitude to Site C taxi owners, Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille and many other people who supported her.
“I will consult with some of the people that I work with and host an event where I will thank my supporters,” she said.
Ms Bomela said she hoped to get a recording deal that would help market her music.
She added that the album was doing well in terms of sales.
Ms Bomela plans to release another album next year. “I hope to see myself owning my own professional recording studio. I also hope to collaborate with some heavyweights in the industry. I also hope in the future to nurture upcoming artists and build each other,” she said.
