She features in the Shaka iLembe compilation album with her song, Izinthuthwane composed by Sibusiso Mnguni and DJ Cleo. Singer and songwriter Sinosipho Tiyo, also known as Nonkalakazi or Nonka, chose the stage name taken from her clan name. The song Izintuthwane is an adaption of a popular traditional song. “I chose the song because it touched me deeply as I was also going through depression and needed healing, so this song was a part of that healing journey. My music is generally inspired by my life experiences,” Nonka tells ZiMoja.
HER BREAKTHROUGH
Before this breakthrough on the Shaka iLembe compilation album, she was working at a kindergarten as a teacher. “I was working at the creche teaching two- to three-year-olds. I used to also teach them how to sing. I was also writing and recording music in Tembisa with Gift and DJ Ghetto,” she says. Born in Mthatha and raised in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, Nonka grew up in a church-going environment. “Every Sunday, we used to go to church with my family. I was a lead singer in the Sunday school choir. In high school, she also joined the choir. In 2017 she came to Johannesburg to further her studies.
HEALING
She says the song Izinthuthwane in the Shaka iLembe changed her life and got her out of depression. “This song has been very instrumental in changing my life,” she says. “I was suffering from depression and have been trying to do a song that would heal me and other people. So, when this song became so big and saw what it was doing for other people as well, it healed me,” she says. “It brought joy to me. Instead of the reserved and depressed person I was, I’m more jubilant because am doing what I love which is healing my soul and I feel like my career couldn’t have started in a better way.”
She is currently working on her debut single and EP. Since her breakthrough, Nonka has been enjoying the attention. “My life has changed. My work is being recognised by many people, which is what I have always wanted and now I have the opportunity to pursue this music thing 100%.”
COMPARISONS
Like many artists who sing Afro-pop, Nonka often gets compared to singers Amanda Black or Zahara, but that does not bother her. “I guess it’s a compliment in a way. But we are all very different and have different purposes and paths. It doesn’t offend me at all because I know their voices are bold and beautiful.”
