Many young people these days dream of becoming hip hop artists or famous DJs but for Bonginkosi Namane Sibiya, it is the traditional sounds of maskandi music that speaks to his soul.
The 22-year-old Sibiya, who goes by the name of Schizi, has just released his debut 12-track album titled Uyaganga.
The album is already getting airtime on radio stations that play traditional music.
Schizi started crafting his musical career back in 2013 when he joined the Izishingishane music group as a backing vocalist.
This, he says, introduced him to the industry and provided him with the opportunity to hone his skills.
After four years of being part of Izishingishane, Schizi felt that he needed to grow and left the group.
Though it was not an easy decision to make, he could no longer wait to pursue his solo career.
However, he says he is still on good terms with his former group.
Schizi was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in a village called Ethelezini in Nquthu and realised from a young age that he could sing.
He told Vukani that he grew up in a place where maskandi music was popular. He says the majority of maskandi artists come from KZN.
But the shy and soft-spoken Gugulethu-based Schizi says he is not in the music industry for fame or fortune.
Instead, he wants to contribute towards nation building by using inspiring and motivational messages in his songs.
Asked what inspires him to write a song, he says his life experiences and challenges have all contributed. He also writes a lot about love. He jokingly states that this album contains a number of hit songs.
He says he started writing his own songs while he was still a member of Izishingishane and when it was time to record his album he selected only the best ones.
Schizi says while this genre of music is associated with older people, there are a number of young artists who are changing the industry.
He has composed all the songs on his album and says he is in the process of learning to play the guitar and other instruments.
He says he knows that maskandi musicians are often pitted against each other but says he is unique from others and his lyrical content is about upliftment.
“Music has always been my passion. Maskandi music is vital as it reminds people about their culture and heritage. It is music that is written in our own African languages. I want to produce music that is loved by all people. I see myself releasing more albums and making a name for myself in the industry. This is just the beginning,” he said.
But he said his parents were not at first convinced about his idea of being a singer and wanted him to focus more on his studies. He says the move to Cape Town was to ensure that he completes his studies before pursuing music full-time. He is currently studying electrical engineering at False Bay College.
However, Schizi says his parents were now more supportive of his musical career.
He says sales of the album are good and people are rallying behind him.