A star is BORN

A star is BORN

HILLCREST RESIDENT GAMELIHLE NGONGOMA HAS ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT HER SINGING TALENT WOULD TAKE HER PLACES. THANKS TO HER DETERMINED PERSEVERANCE, SHE HAS FINALLY STAKED HER CLAIM ON THE MUSIC SCENE, WRITES KATIA BENEDETTI

Originally from Embo in the Valley of a 1 000 Hills,

Gamelihle discovered her love for music, and jazz especially, at an early age. Listening to gospel music as a child, she looked up to her older sister, who was part of an acapella group that performed at community shows and functions. “I wanted to be part of the band so badly,” Gamelihle recalls, “but I was too young at the time.”

Not daunted by her young age, Lihle then started a duo band with her cousin. “We had no idea that we were harmonising or what notes in the chord we were singing. We simply knew it sounded beautiful.” And it was at this point that Lihle realised that she wanted to become a professional singer one day.

Lihle continued to be moulded by her love for music as she grew up in Umlazi and Inanda townships. As a teenager, she was inspired by R&B superstars such as Brandy, Monica and Brian McKnight, and later started writing her own songs. In 2007 she enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and studied towards an Access Arts Certificate in Jazz and Popular Music. It was here that she learnt how to really use her voice as an instrument. When asked about her role models, she does not hesitate innaming the late Busi Mhlongo. “She was amazing on stage, so captivating and real. Her songs told stories of real situations that we go through every day. I aspire to be that honest and vulnerable when writing and performing music.”

Last year Lihle was encouraged by a friend

to enter the second edition of the Emirates Pursuit of Jazz competition, a search to find South Africa’s super jazz band. The competition consisted of a video submission for judging, followed by a series of face-to-face auditions and performances. Lihle made it through to the top 16, and when the eight-member jazz band was finally announced, Gamelihle Ngongoma was named as one of the band’s two vocalists.

“Making it into the band was such a surreal moment. I’ve been to so many auditions and received many rejections – winning this time around was empowering,” she explains. The band will receive a record deal and be given the opportunity to tour the country to showcase their talent and music.

As a single mum, Lihle’s main purpose and reason for wanting to succeed in music is her son, Nkanyezi, which means “Star” in isiZulu. “I gave him that name because he is my shining light and my inspiration,” she says. “I want to be able to provide my family with amazing things because I did not give up on myself.” Not just a talented singer, Lihle also has a penchant for drawing and fashion, and designed her own matric farewell dress as well as her stage outfits.

What advice does she have foryoung people who wish to enter the music industry? “Making it in this industry is 20% talent and 80% hard work. Even though I believe I’m highly talented and deserve a spot in the industry, I’ve had to face rejection many times. But I learnt how to get up, and keep pushing towards my dreams.”

ABOVE: Gamelihle enjoys designing her stage outfits. Below: Gamelihle is one of two vocalists in the Emirates Pursuit of Jazz Band.