“Women should have their voices heard in society, so that our children can live in a safer environment.”

The up-and-coming Afro-soul singer Nontozakhe “Tozingoma” Mcekiswa says that this is one of her purposes for singing. “We are living in a country where violence takes form in front your eyes – be it on television, newspapers or even on the streets,” she says.

Tozingoma believes that women are the most capable guardians to bring up the children, who will then be responsible individuals in society. “I was brought up by a caring mother,” adds the singer, whose song Uhambo is receiving massive airplay on radio stations. Here in Limpopo, Tozingoma's talent was discovered by local kwaito singer Jazz Duka Duka, who then referred her to the flourishing composer and producer Sir Mckleker aka Aluwani Nemaranzhe.

This trained sangoma is a popular performer in Vhembe, and she also visits prisons to perform for inmates as a way of motivating them to rehabilitate. “We've just finished my single, but an album may follow sometime next year,” she says.

Tozingoma fell for music at the age of five when she joined a choral group at Kwazamukuhle Primary School at Hendrina in Mpumalanga. She travelled from Mpumalanga to Limpopo with her ex-spouse, and found a home in Makhado. However, things turned awry for her when her relationship was spoiled by misunderstandings which grew into abuse. “I thought I had found an understanding man, but the physical and emotional abuse was too much for me to bear,” reveals Tozingoma.

After the failed relationship, around May 2011, she found a job as a hairdresser and would sleep in a cold salon wrapped in one blanket in winter. “And I had just had a miscarriage after he beat me in February,” she explains.

Tozingoma says that she was not sure where all the misunderstandings were coming from, because she and her partner were in such a healthy relationship when they became engaged. “Today I sing because I want to encourage women who are facing similar situations to stay strong and know who they are,” she adds.

“Abuse is real,” says Tozingoma. “It's not easy to be a woman in this country if you do not know your story and what you want in life.” She adds that she is one woman who believes in real relationships and marriage. “Some of my friends are married, and I have learned from my association with them that not all men are bad.”