VOCALIST Siphokazi Mohapi is back after a five-year break.
On 5 August 2023, the Business Premium Jazz Festival will present an event titled The Timeless Music Encounter with Siphokazi.
She will share the stage with Vusi Nova and Judith Sephuma at Carnival City Top Arena.
"I've been out of the industry for more than five years, and now I am trying to make a comeback. I also want to assure my supporters that it was never my intention to take a break. I was pushed out.
"For now, I don't want to talk about it except that promises were made to me, but none of them were fulfilled. The doors were shut in my face and before I knew it, I was out in the cold, unable to work," said Siphokazi.
She said it's still painful but wants to forget and concentrate on rebuilding her brand.
"I approached the event organiser and asked to be featured in this concert. They could have said no but took a chance and agreed to feature me. For this reason, I am grateful to the event organisers. They are taking a risk with me because they don't know how the audience will receive me after so many years," she said.
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Siphokazi gained stardom with her first album, Ubuntu Bam, released in 2006.
The album only took off in 2007.
Songs such as Amacala, Ubuntu Bam, Ndiyabulela, and Ebuhlanti guaranteed her a favourable spot in the music industry.
She went on to win Best Newcomer and Best African Adult Contemporary Album in 2007 at the South African Music Awards.
She also won Best Female, Best Newcomer and Best Produced Album at the Metro Awards.
"My second album was released in 2007, and it did well but not as well as the first album. I think it was rushed, and people were still enjoying the first album. My third and fourth albums did not do well. I don't think people know them. I think the last two albums were affected by these industry issues," she said.
Siphokazi said she's now in the process of rebuilding her brand.
"This concert is the first step, and I am encouraging people to come and watch this show. I have to do this for myself and my supporters. I also understand that, in most cases, artists don't get a second chance, but I did," she told Daily Sun.
