Music

A resident of Vleifontein, Portia Machaba (16), also known as Sesinyana, has decided to stand on her own and release her debut album, Munna wanga Volume 1. Several years ago, she was the backing singer on a CD made by her father, Lucky M.

Munna wanga Volume 1 comprises six songs and a bonus track and, according to observers, Sesinyana is fast becoming very popular in music circles. Sesinyana is presently in Grade 11 at Murunwa Private School in Louis Trichardt.

She has revealed that although the album has only been on the market for a few months, it has already made a huge impact when it comes to sales. It is self-marketed and distributed.

Some of the songs that are already popular with the fans are Ndivhuyela hayani, Daba, Mudiwo wangu and the title track, Munna wanga. All songs have been composed by Lucky M.

When asked how they intended to promote their new release, Sesinyana said that it was difficult for them to perform live as they did not have musical instruments of their own. She said people could have everything they could wish for in life, but without God they would never enjoy life to the fullest. "We are all created in the image of God and we should pay back by praising Him and, in my case, it is through music."

She said she was now back after taking leave from the music scene "because of piracy. It costs a lot to come out with a quality album. We spent a lot of time trying to be creative, but after the release of the album, it could be [sold] everywhere for a mere R5 or R10."

She added that it was very stressful and depressing "to find your sweat and toil on street pavements, being sold for next to nothing. We tend to lose focus from our creativity, as we are not the ones reaping the fruits,” she said.

She said it was her love of music that kept her going, otherwise she would have quit a long time ago. “I made a few changes to my new music, and the hit track Munna wanga has a new complexion with a live acoustic guitar."

She mentioned that they would continue "doing what we love best, giving quality music to our fans, no matter the odds. We appeal to the authorities to help us in the fight against the scourge of piracy by arresting and giving pirates heavy penalties,” she said.