BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Real Estate graduate takes on music!
Captain Supa, born Sinenhlahla Thandokuhle Thwala from Hlathikhulu, completed high school at Siteki. He holds a diploma in real estate management. I am currently working for Prime Properties as a sales administrator.
He shared with us how his music journey has been; this is what he had to say.
How did you get your stage name?
It started on the soccer field. I was a goalkeeper, so I used to fly like a monkey to stop every shot that came towards my post, my fans started to call me Superfly because of how I did my thing.
It didn’t end there, because when I ventured into the music industry, I formed a group of dancers for my music, and I called that group “Supatainment” from my name, Superfly.
When did you fall in love with music?
I fell in love with music back in 2015. I liked house music; I remember I used to listen to my favourite SA artists by then: Mampintja, DJ Tira, Professor, actually the whole of Durban Finest Crew, and Kalawa Jazzme.
Where and when have you performed, both locally and internationally?
Yes, it’s true that I am still new in the industry, but I have performed at few locally.
I haven’t yet performed outside of the Kingdom, but I am definitely sure I will before the end of this year.
Do you have an album or EP yet?
I don’t have an album yet, but I promise to drop one before August next year. I only have an Extended Playlist (EP) that consists of five hot tracks, and it’s titled “SENG’YAHAMBA.” This was dropped on December 22nd last month.
Who is your favourite artist, locally and internationally, and why?
Locally, I go with my Swazi Gqom artist, M Nation. That brother is a very nice and humble man. He respects himself first, and he respects other people as well. That’s how an artist should behave and look.
Internationally, I’ll go for Mr Chosen from SA. I just like and enjoy his music. That man can write, and he just spends sufficient time to create his hits, and most of the time, when he drops his song, I could relate to the same scenario I once experienced
Who would you still love to work with?
Obviously, it’s M Nation, I have an upcoming studio session with him, and Emaswati must expect a big song, “Captain SUPA ft. M NATION.” This one will be mixed and mastered by my favourite producer ever, Divaboy Eswatini.
I would also love to do another song with Samu for the second time. People really liked and enjoyed our first track and are still stuck at it, yet there are some other hits in my newly released EP.
I am hoping that this time the focus will be not only on soccer development and other ball games but also on the development of the music industry here in Eswatini.
Are we doing enough to promote local artists in the country?
I am hoping the new minister can also look into the development of the music industry here in Eswatini. Honestly, I think we are trying, but still, I feel like it’s not enough. There are a lot of talented young people out there. Thanks to the fact that it’s now better than before at least we’re now seeing articles on Eswatini Positive News and other publications about Eswatini’s artists, and we can also listen to our own voices on our very own radio stations. A big shout out to all those organisations that support and promote local artists, but still, it’s not enough, according to me.
Honestly, I think we are trying, but still, I feel like it’s not enough. There are a lot of talented young people out there. Thanks to the fact that it’s now better than before at least we’re now seeing articles on Eswatini Positive News and other publications about Eswatini’s artists, and we can also listen to our own voices on our very own radio stations. A big shout out to all those organisations that support and promote local artists, but still, it’s not enough, according to me.
What can you advice on aspiring artists?
Guys, passion and dedication are very important when you are an artist. Sometimes, sacrifice your time. Put much effort into your work and don’t compare yourself to other artists; you are just you, and when the time is right, your chance will come as well. Take extra care of yourselves, guys.
Less I forget,I know we might not have expensive phones or cameras, but please try to borrow a friend’s phone. Take some pictures, go to these social networks, create your own page or account, post those pictures, do these short videos, and upload all those to your channel. People will start to recognise you and follow you. Keep on growing your brand. I wish you all the best in 2024.
