She moves to the rhythm of her own beat, bringing us beautiful messages through her songs. At only 20-years-old, Makhosazana Masango, known as Azana is the future of South African music.
She’s already climbing the ranks and topping the charts with her hit single ‘Your Love’. Azana is hard-working, determined and studying for a law degree whilst pursuing her music career. Her smooth and angelic voice has landed her colabs with some of South Africa’s biggest artists such as Simmy and Sun El Musician. She proudly calls herself a Zulu queen, her album and songs speaks about her ancestors, prayers and paying homage to her rich culture and the phenomenal power of the women in her life.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'm a singer and songwriter from Chesterville in Kwa-Zulu Natal. That is where I grew up and that's where most of who I am was moulded. I love the arts, dance and theatre. My zodiac sign is Virgo and my favourite colour is purple. I love putting a lot of effort into my music and take it very seriously. I enjoy writing and making music in the studio, it's very therapeutic for me.
WHO DISCOVERED YOU?
Even though I was a shy child, I always knew what I was going to be when I grew up. My mom gave me so much confidence as a child, she always told me I was going to be a singer.
WHICH ARTISTS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC?
Sade, Msaki, Camagwini, and Erykah Badu. I've taken a lot of inspiration from these women. I love the subjects that they sing about and that it's not always about love. I enjoy calm music so listening to their music relaxes me.
WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT TO SING IN IN ISIZULU?
My home language is IsiZulu but I grew up speaking both English and IsiZulu at home. IsiZulu is the language that has my heart simply because it's my identity and I become more expressive when I sing in it. I sometimes mix both languages on my songs because it's natural for me to use both the languages in my everyday life.
WHY DID YOU CALL YOUR DEBUT ALBUM INGOMA?
‘Ingoma’ means a song. I chose to use this title to show that one song alone is many things. I believe a song can help heal the emotionally wounded, it can influence our beliefs and teaches us life lessons. So a song is not just a song, it's so much more, therefore I thought it would be a great title for my album.
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE MUSIC AS A CAREER?
At age 17 my mind was already made up. After finishing Matric, my tertiary studies and music were both top priorities to me, because in the end I knew exactly what I wanted to become.
WHEN DID YOU START RECORDING MUSIC?
I started at the tender age of 15. My next door neighbour had a whole small studio in his room. It was so exciting to pop over to learn how to make music.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO SECURE THE #1 SPOT IN THE CHARTS?
It felt beautiful. I'm very grateful and appreciate all that went into creating this album as well as the team behind me, helping me be my best self! I love unapologetic expressions and that's what my album is.
WHICH MUSICIANS DO YOU LOOK UP TO THE MOST AND WHY?
Beyoncé is amazing! She and her team have worked hard for many years and have built an exceptional empire. With her art she explores different cultures which influence her music – which is what I aspire to do. I admire her passionate stage performances, the creative stage costumes and I learn a lot from her vision. My other favourites artists are Nobuhle and Simmy, they have taught me to have a strong work ethic. These women work hard and write beautifully. I also look up to Claudio, Kenza, Sino Msolo, Mthunzi and Stone as well. Pretty much all the people I've worked with so far, as they have influenced my journey and push me to work even harder. Through them I've learnt that success is not guaranteed every time but I can work hard and aim to be better.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT WORKING WITH THE SUN EL WORLD MUSIC TEAM?
It’s been an amazing journey so far. I came to Joburg and first recorded with Disciples of House and then later I got to meet Sun El Musician and his team. After he had introduced me to El world I worked a lot with Claudio and Kenza. I enjoy their energy and the music that comes with it.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
I'll be 30! I see myself not only being successful in music but more involved in the entrainment industry in Africa and globally.
HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE OTHER YOUNGER ASPIRING SINGERS?
I would advise aspiring musicians to not stop trying and put in as much effort as they can. Also to believe in themselves. I've seen how important it is to believe in yourself because people give off from energy you give them, so standing your ground and being confident in yourself will take you far.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'm a singer and songwriter from Chesterville in Kwa-Zulu Natal. That is where I grew up and that's where most of who I am was moulded. I love the arts, dance and theatre. My zodiac sign is Virgo and my favourite colour is purple. I love putting a lot of effort into my music and take it very seriously. I enjoy writing and making music in the studio, it's very therapeutic for me.
WHO DISCOVERED YOU?
Even though I was a shy child, I always knew what I was going to be when I grew up. My mom gave me so much confidence as a child, she always told me I was going to be a singer.
WHICH ARTISTS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC?
Sade, Msaki, Camagwini, and Erykah Badu. I've taken a lot of inspiration from these women. I love the subjects that they sing about and that it's not always about love. I enjoy calm music so listening to their music relaxes me.
WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT TO SING IN IN ISIZULU?
My home language is IsiZulu but I grew up speaking both English and IsiZulu at home. IsiZulu is the language that has my heart simply because it's my identity and I become more expressive when I sing in it. I sometimes mix both languages on my songs because it's natural for me to use both the languages in my everyday life.
WHY DID YOU CALL YOUR DEBUT ALBUM INGOMA?
‘Ingoma’ means a song. I chose to use this title to show that one song alone is many things. I believe a song can help heal the emotionally wounded, it can influence our beliefs and teaches us life lessons. So a song is not just a song, it's so much more, therefore I thought it would be a great title for my album.
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE MUSIC AS A CAREER?
At age 17 my mind was already made up. After finishing Matric, my tertiary studies and music were both top priorities to me, because in the end I knew exactly what I wanted to become.
WHEN DID YOU START RECORDING MUSIC?
I started at the tender age of 15. My next door neighbour had a whole small studio in his room. It was so exciting to pop over to learn how to make music.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO SECURE THE #1 SPOT IN THE CHARTS?
It felt beautiful. I'm very grateful and appreciate all that went into creating this album as well as the team behind me, helping me be my best self! I love unapologetic expressions and that's what my album is.
WHICH MUSICIANS DO YOU LOOK UP TO THE MOST AND WHY?
Beyoncé is amazing! She and her team have worked hard for many years and have built an exceptional empire. With her art she explores different cultures which influence her music – which is what I aspire to do. I admire her passionate stage performances, the creative stage costumes and I learn a lot from her vision. My other favourites artists are Nobuhle and Simmy, they have taught me to have a strong work ethic. These women work hard and write beautifully. I also look up to Claudio, Kenza, Sino Msolo, Mthunzi and Stone as well. Pretty much all the people I've worked with so far, as they have influenced my journey and push me to work even harder. Through them I've learnt that success is not guaranteed every time but I can work hard and aim to be better.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT WORKING WITH THE SUN EL WORLD MUSIC TEAM?
It’s been an amazing journey so far. I came to Joburg and first recorded with Disciples of House and then later I got to meet Sun El Musician and his team. After he had introduced me to El world I worked a lot with Claudio and Kenza. I enjoy their energy and the music that comes with it.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
I'll be 30! I see myself not only being successful in music but more involved in the entrainment industry in Africa and globally.
HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE OTHER YOUNGER ASPIRING SINGERS?
I would advise aspiring musicians to not stop trying and put in as much effort as they can. Also to believe in themselves. I've seen how important it is to believe in yourself because people give off from energy you give them, so standing your ground and being confident in yourself will take you far.
SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON AZANA
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
November 24, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
November 24, 2020
Rating:
