Ndingumnqweno wezolo (I am yesterday’s dream),
Ndilizwi egazini (I am the voice in my blood),
Ndisisinqe samaphupha (I am the waist upon which dreams rest),
Ndilithemba xaliphela (I am hope when you feel like giving up),
Ndizinyembezi zadlula (I am tears gone by),
Ndililanga liyaphuma (I am the sun as it rises),
Ndiyingoma yobomi (I am the eternal song)
These are some of the uplifting lyrics to my favourite Simphiwe Dana song, Ndize Mama Tata, from her debut album Zandisile released in 2004. I constantly go back to these words whenever I go through a rough patch. I’ve even planned on etching them onto my skin through a tattoo. They are the perfect embodiment of this incredible woman who, through the poetry of the Xhosa language and immaculate musical production, has attained icon status in the music industry. On the eve of the release of her fifth studio album, she spent the day with us, and we chatted about her life as well as how it influences her art. On the day of the cover shoot, the singer is bubbly and talkative with an excited energy that infects the whole crew. Even though the shoot is long, she suggests we do the interview on the same day. The Eastern Cape native, who has spoken openly about struggling with depression, explains that she is having a good day and would rather we capitalize on that since we don’t know what the next day could bring in terms of her mood. This then kicks off one of the most affirming interviews of my life.
MENTAL TURMOIL
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Bona.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Bona.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Damage At Work: Who Pays?
What happens when you damage company property or property that belongs to your employer? Are you liable for the costs?
Safety Tips When Driving With Kids
The roads we drive on can be quite treacherous. Car safety is not only limited to you as a driver, but also your passengers including your children. Vuyi Mpofu gives us six safety tips that you must abide by.
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
When COVID-19 hit South Africa, it came as no surprise that the virus would impact vulnerable communities such as townships and rural areas the hardest. The frequently asked questions since then have been whether the government has given enough information and resources to the people in disadvantaged areas or not. Everson Luhanga investigates further.
Financially Surviving Covid-19
Our finance guru, Sinesipho Maninjwa, shares advice on how you can navigate and survive the financial impact of the coronavirus.
All I Want Is A Baby
Trying to conceive with no success, and undergoing fertility treatment can take its toll on your relationship. This is the reality for many couples, and yet it remains a taboo subject.
THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products
Despite numerous attempts by medical professionals to debunk the need for feminine hygiene products, numerous women still use them. Lethabo Nxumalo finds out why and if they are truly putting you at risk.
THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women
Linda Mtoba (27) is a mom, and she’s extremely happy about it. She chats to Amanda Mtuli about her pregnancy and what motherhood has taught her thus far. She also introduces us to her beautiful daughter, Bean. We are lucky to have the matriarch of the family, Linda’s mother Celiwe Mtoba (47), present during the interview. She lovingly gushes over her first grandchild while giving us insight into what it was like raising Linda.
THE OLDER SIBLING Blues
Expecting the arrival of your bundle of joy may be exciting for you and your partner, but might not be so thrilling for your older child. Experts say kids sometimes struggle to accept the changes that a newborn brings. Fundiswa Nkwanyana spoke to some of them to help you prepare your firstborn for the new family member.
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.
Life After losing a child
A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.
