Dedication and hard work have earned a budding gospel musician from Mfuleni, Nolundi Bomela, a nomination for the best IsiXhosa album at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA), taking place on Saturday October 29.
She has been nominated for her third album Eloyi, however, she needs your vote to win the award.
The 30-year-old musician is up against some of the country’s best musicians such as poet and singer Jessica Mbangeni.
In an interview with Vukani on Friday September 30, Ms Bomela said she never thought she would be shortlisted for the award.
She described her 14-track album as motivating and as a way to restore hope and faith. She said she was thrilled about the nomination which she attributed to her hard work and endurance.
She appealed to people to support her by voting.
Ms Bomela said she was sceptical when her musical mentor, Daluxolo Hoho, sent her CD for the nomination.
Like any other child, Ms Bomela said she started singing at an early age at family functions and later in church.
When she relocated from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town in 2000, she joined a local gospel group where she honed her musical skills. In 2006 she finally decided to pursue a solo career.
And has thus far released two albums although they did not do well.
“This album has really introduced me to the industry and it’s like it is my first album,” she said.
She thanked Mayor Patricia de Lille for donating money to her to attend the awards ceremony.
“I am nominated against some music heavyweights. Our category will be decided by public votes and I am appealing to Capetonians to vote for me as I’m not only going to represent myself, but I will be representing the entire province,” she said.
Ms Bomela’s album is available at Belstar Music outlets as well as other music shops.
She highlighted funding and the lack of resources as some of the key challenges for those in the industry.
Ms Bomela said budding artists were often exploited and at times people refused to pay them on time. She said she has been amazed and speechless about the wonderful support she has received through out her career.
Ms Bomela said she hopes to tour the country and hopefully perform live on TV.
She described the music industry as one of the toughest industry which requires one to be disciplined and know that it can almost take years to crack it.
“Perseverance is the key in whatever you are doing.
“I hope to see myself conquering the music industry and sharing a stage with well established artists,” she said.
To vote for Nolundi SMSSATMA Nolundi Bomela best IsiXhosa album to 34066.