A MUSICAL FAIRY

KZN-born singer and songwriter, Simphiwe ‘Simmy’ Ndlangela, 25, first caught the public’s eye when she featured on Sun-El Musician’s hit single, Ntaba Ezikude. She’s now a household name amongst Afrohouse music lovers

Since moving to Joburg to pursue my music career, being home holds a very special place in my heart. I get to be with my entire family because I only have my sister, up here, in Joburg. There were certain things I took for granted about eMsinga, KwaZulu-Natal — like the food. When I try to cook it myself here, it just doesn’t taste the same. This happens, especially, with tripe and uphuthu. If I wasn’t in the music industry, I’d be in recruitment. I was a recruitment consultant in my past life.

I’ve tried to remain the same person I was before I became a public figure. I love wearing shorts and sneakers or flip flops, just like the girl next door. I think a lot of my fans are taken aback by that [chuckles]. Fame hasn’t really kicked in for me. Yes, people recognise me on the streets and want to take pictures, but I try to be as normal as possible. I don’t think you ever get used to fame because it has different stages and you must constantly adapt.

I’ve had to fake it until I make it because I’m very shy. Growing up I sang in the school choir and never wanted to be the soloist. Even though I treasured music, I thought my voice was weird. I have now found my groove as a performer but awkward Simmy is still very much around [chuckles]. My love for music is getting stronger every day. If I had things my way, I’d spend more time in the studio than on stages performing. As a creative, the studio keeps me going and is my happy place. If you don’t create anything new, singing and performing the same thing can get tedious. Making new music gives me life.

I’m usually the loudest when I’m at my most comfortable with family and friends. The only time I’m myself is when

I’m in a safe space, otherwise I’m reserved. The one other funny thing about being a simple girl is that I hand-wash my clothes even though I have a washing machine. I’m a creature of habit [chuckles]!

I want to continue growing as an artist but also have other aspirations besides being a singer and songwriter. They all stem from music because it’s my first love. I want to do more behind-the-scenes work — explore the production and business side of things. I think of my career as a tree; I’m currently setting my roots and I’ll branch out as I grow.

I spend a lot of time in studio with my label mates Mthunzi, S-Tone, Sino Msolo and Claudio. We like jamming and feeding off each other’s energies. Tugela Fairy was the best way to introduce myself as an artist. Expect new music from me this year and hopefully it will be a full album. Whatever I bring out next will be a continuation of where I left off with my debut album. I will be introducing other parts of who I am because I’m a different artist now. Sanele (Sun-El Musician) and I are a great team. He understands my voice like no-one else. It isn’t even about making music, but what I can learn while in studio with him.

My parents did a stellar job at raising us. They taught us to always embrace humility. Awuphaphi in certain spaces and you must know who you are. But I also realised soon after entering the entertainment industry that the music I make is for the masses. They love and respect my brand, but they should also see and feel that love and respect reciprocated when they meet me. Dating is weird. I was never one to have my DMs inundated with requests from guys and I want it to stay like that. Figuring out who to trust is very hard. I’ve always been guarded, even more so now that I’m a musician. I need to figure out if this person is here for Simmy or if they’ll be able to stand Simphiwe. Should I find someone, it’ll happen naturally wherever, and whenever.