BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Welcome to Botswana!
When it is your turn to shine, do so graciously. This is the story of Nomaswazi Nkambule (28), who started her singing career after joining the Lillies Choir. She has been invited to Botswana for a performance. Nkambule was born and raised in a small village called Mponono, which is in between Mankayane and Bhunya.
Nkambule has been featured on a new song titled ‘Umoya Wami,’ sung by the Lillies Choir and featuring Phindile Makhabane, written by Phetsile Masilela. We caught up with her and asked her to share about herself, and this is what she had to say:
Tell us about your upcoming Botswana trip and how it came about.
I am going to Botswana as a guest artist from April 24 to 28, 2024. I have been invited by the Oasis of Love Interdenominational Ministry under Apostle Margaret Mhlanga, for their conference and gathering of worshippers.
Tell us more about the new song.
Basically, ‘Umoya wami’ is part of the Lillies Choir album, which is titled ‘Yebo Wathi Uzobanami.’ It was recorded on October 8 last year at Mbabane Worship Centre when Phetsile Masilela was recording live alongside the Lillies Choir. The visuals were done by Destiny Group.
What next after this project?
After this project, I will be looking at stabilising myself in the industry and creating a firm foundation by promoting the song so it gets proper recognition, and yes, I am working on being a stand-alone artist since the Lillies Choir has launched me and my ministry to the world.
When did you fall in love with music?
I fell in love with music at a tender age. I was born and raised in a Christian family, and my mother always said I started singing when I was around five or six years old. They used to put me on a chair at church, and I sang with the praise and worship team; since then, I have never ceased to worship God.
Your best performance to date!
It was last year, May, when I was selected to perform at the State Banquet in honour of SACU Heads of State, hosted by His Majesty King Mswati III. It was really mind-blowing to perform in front of kings and queens and other heads of state. The recognition I got was truly humbling, as if that wasn’t enough. I got the invitation again in September to sing at the State Banquet for the 55th Double Celebration. It was an amazing experience and, by far, my favourite performance.
Who is your favourite artist?
My favourite artists internationally are Jekalyn Carr and Sunmisola Agbebi. They are great worshippers whom I always reference and learn from, especially the ethics of worshipping God and how to carry your ministry to the world as an individual.
What advice would you give an aspiring artist?
Always remember who you are, know your purpose, and trust God with what He has given you. He will see you through every obstacle or challenge you meet in the industry, and above all, always stay humble.
Whom would you still like to work with?
I would like to work with Bishop Benjamin Dube if God allows, seemingly because everyone who works with him grows in the industry and there’s a lot to learn from him even outside the musical field. He is a Bishop, after all.
How is the competition in the country?
It is very high. So it is important for one to give their all when given a chance to minister all the time.
In the country, it is still difficult since most of our gigs do not offer much. So one needs to have a plan B in order to sustain their lifestyle and learn to manage finances properly.
