Mbijana Sibisi blew The Voice South Africa judges away with his rendition of Redemption Song - but there’s still more to come.
|||Durban - He blew thousands away at his audition on “The Voice South Africa” with his rendition of Lucky Dube’s “Redemption Song” where he wowed judges Karen Zoid and Bobby van Jaarsdveld.
Mbijana Sibisi started his career at the age of 12 where he was selected to take part in a school play, now, years later he is singer;songwriter; poet and a contestant on South Africa’s biggest music show.
“When I reached secondary school I joined an Isichathamiya group from school. In 2004 I joined a theatre community group where I learnt a lot about performing arts at the same time I began to write poetry which I presented at DUT (Durban University of Technology) poetry sessions.” Since then Sibisi has not stopped.
He says that his music is influenced by the colours of life - both the light and dark sides. In his lyrics, which are both in English and Zulu, you can hear stories of hardship and love, as he approaches society with a critical eye.
He describes his music with a fusion of Reggae, Blues, Maskandi and African rhythms. He is a huge fan of Tracey Chapman, Bob Marely, Vusi Mahlasela and Bob Dylan - and you can hear some of these influences in his music.
Besides being a musician Sibisi is also a qualified Dental Technician and Dental Nurse.
He is popularly on the Durban music scene and in Belgium.
The artist has been building his career in Belgium since 2012. His Highlights are being a contestant on “The Voice South Africa” and he hopes to one day work with Maskandi king Phuzekhemisi and Durban artist Zakes Bantwini.
“In the very few places that I performed in, outside SA, I have not noticed major differences beside cultural differences. The difference with Europe and SA is that young people are equipped to become better musicians. Some musicians there understand that a musical career needs more than just talent. You need to know how to manage yourself and be self sufficient.”
He believes South African artists should start owning their own music instead of waiting on managers and big companies to sign them up.
Sibisi is on Bobby van Jaarsveld’s team on “The Voice” SA.
IOL MOJO