Entertainment

Musician Loyiso Gijana chats about the inspiration behind his latest offering. We also offer summertime entertainment

The 21-year-old star, born and bred in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, is currently living out his dreams of being a musician in Joburg

What does music mean to you?

It means everything to me. I find an escape through music. With all the negativity in the world and the bad around me, music is my only hope and light. Whenever I feel sad or angry, music is the first thing I run to. When did you know that you wanted to be a musician?

It started when I was young. I would watch a lot of singing competitions, including Idols and America’s

Got Talent, so I’ve always been inspired to be on that platform. But, I realised that I wanted to do music for the rest of my life while in high school when I first entered

South African Idols. Other things came up, like furthering my studies, getting a degree and a normal job. But, I didn’t want to be that person – I didn’t want to neglect my passion and talent for something that I wouldn’t be passionate about.

What inspired your latest offering, Madoda Sabelani?

The frustration I felt after my friend Uyinene Mrwetyana was brutally killed, as well as the deaths of too many women around the country at the hands of men. It really frustrated me, and triggered something. It left me feeling that as a man, I needed to voice out how I felt; that women cannot fight this battle alone. As men, we also need to fight for them. We need to start having the conversation about honouring and respecting women. We need to stop sexualising them. It’s a frustration that I’ve had for a while, and felt that I finally needed to voice out. What message did you want to get across with the song ?

That all men need to realise that it’s not women who should fight – it’s us. It’s not women who should be protesting, when it’s us men creating these problems. Our focus should be to stop being violent and killing women, and instead help them. Dig deep – it’s not women who make you feel that way; it’s yourself. Women are as important as we are. If you were to create a theme song for a series, which one would you choose and why?

Blood & Water. It’s about teenagers and youth. There’s so much emotion, and always a plot twist. Some characters remind me of myself and what I’ve been through. What advice would you give to your younger self ?

Just believe in yourself, your passion and gut feeling. Believe that the only way to make it and succeed is by knowing yourself. Don’t be pressured by your peers into doing what everyone else is doing. Be unique. What’s your favourite cartoon character?

Sponge Bob. He’s a crazy guy. Although he makes impulsive decisions, he’s smart. He’s a fun and honest character, and I really enjoy him. Who’s your favourite artist?

Music producer and DJ Kygo. One of my favourite songs

by him is Stole the Show. He adds soul to his music, and still makes me dance. Although I love emotion and soul, I also love pop and dance songs.