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CICI’s hit single Runaway has only been on air for four months, but the 999 Music pop sensation has already snapped up a Metro Award nomination. Her other hit song Summa Ya

maSumma is featured in the album Summa Ya Di Summa, for which 999 Music is nominated in the Best Compilation Album category.

I’m still over the moon,” says Cici. I feel like I’m dreaming because I’ve waited 13 years for this and somehow feel my dream is coming true.”

Cici, real name Busisiwe Thwala, is the first product of the South African Arts & Development Association (Saada) talent search.

Cici’s nomination almost knocked me off my chair,” said 999 Music boss Arthur Mafokate.

I knew she had something special, but to get nominated only four months after releasing your debut single is extraspecial.

Saada’s head, Mafokate, credited the National Lotteries Commission for having the foresight to support the development of music talent in South Africa.

Without the funding from the likes of the National Lotteries Commission, South Africa wouldn t have known Cici,” said Mafokate.

With continued funding from them, we’ll be able to find more stars that will fly the South African flag locally and internationally.

Cici faces stiff competition from the likes of Zonke ( Reach

It), Nathi ( Nomvula) and Maleh ( Feels So Good) in the Best RnB Single category.

She won the first Saada national talent search last year, along with a recording contract from 999 Music.

But the 27-year-old from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, is not completely new to the music industry.

Cici had been on several singing competitions, including

Idols and Coca Cola Popstars , and appeared on Top Actor as a finalist.

Mafokate said Cici was overbooked during the festive season. He added that Summa Ya

maSumma was chosen as the official midnight song for the SABC1 Come Duze Live show on December 31.

Growing up in a musical family is what ignited my love for music,” said Cici.

And also watching the growth of great people like the late Lebo Mathosa and Brenda Fassie made me want to be equally as great doing what I love.