In a country where everyone professes to be a musician or singer but rushes to dish up shoddy projects with the sole intention of financial gain and making a good name, Vanessa Mphanama’s voice is heartwarming and a comfort that artists still exist among the people.

The 27-year-old singer, popularly known in music circles as Vanempha, is a new addition to the Afro-soul genre whose debut album is continuing to receive massive acknowledgement in the province. “I love music so much that I live on it,” she reveals and adds that she was born in the deep rural village of Ngwenani ya ha Mapholi, where she currently resides.

Listening to Untold Story is like unpacking the dimensions of a talent whose entry into the music industry was long overdue. She has ar unique voice, and she doesn't try to imitate the artists who came before her.

Vanempha only released her album a couple of months ago, after distributing an offering of her single to radio stations for sample purposes. Her single, Phala-phala, was dedicated to Phala Phala FM and instantly became popular with listeners. “I believe that I am talented; even my fans say so,” she adds.

Rradio stations were inundated with calls from fans asking about the availability of the album of the woman who sang so well, and that was when Vanempha decided to go back to the studio to record more songs, which eventually made up Untold Story. “I was raised by my grandmother, Vho-Nyamutshagole Pharamela, whose love of music is immeasurable,” said Vanempha.

Perhaps this singer ought to show her gratitude to Hani Mutele, the man who mixed and mastered her songs. Mutele is a keen, talented and reputable engineer from this district.

Vanempha is a movie actor and comedian, and is also a script writer, whose short drama will be aired soon on Phala Phala FM. The drama is titled Riswiswini Lihulu.