Q&A WITH SIPHO MABUSE

The legendary ‘Jive Soweto’ hitmaker, who just celebrated a landmark birthday, is doing the opposite of burnout – if anything, the now 70-year-old Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse is living his best life.

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Far from slowing down, which would be understandable after the past couple of trying years, Sipho is looking forward to a bright new year full of promise.

Q. WHAT DOES THE FESTIVE SEASON MEAN TO YOU?
Getting together with family. Interacting with those who we dearly love. Perhaps exchanging gifts, making several phone calls, and just hanging out, being a part of the celebratory mood of the time.

Q. HOW IMPORTANT IS FAMILY TO YOU?
It’s critical, more now than ever before. You can’t change who your family is, and in times of trouble, they are the ones who are typically there to support us. It’s so important for us to work hard at nurturing and respecting all that family means and brings.



Q. IN YOUR BROADER COMMUNITY, DO YOU GET A SENSE THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY HAS GROWN OVER THE PAST YEAR, GIVEN EVERYTHING WE’VE ALL BEEN THROUGH?
It’s always been a privilege to be an African, if only because, for us, it’s not only about our blood family but the community and society around us that’s equally important. Whether it’s helping a neighbour with a cup of sugar or offering to take a senior to the clinic, we do so out of love, compassion, and respect for one another.

Q. WHAT STANDS OUT AT THIS TIME OF YEAR?
It’s a time of sharing, and I have always enjoyed baking, breaking bread, sharing a cup, and reflecting on the past year. When you go into any house, any home, to gift or merely share a hug, that’s precious.

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Q. IS THERE A CHRISTMAS MEMORY THAT IS MOST MEMORABLE TO YOU?
There is, and it’s a funny, albeit rather embarrassing story. One year, I was visiting my father’s parents, and I did something very unusual and unbecoming. To put it bluntly, I didn’t know what alcohol was. I thought Christmas was all about drinking. So I consumed an entire bottle of brandy, much to my grandmother’s disgust. I was so ashamed – and petrified that my father would find out – that I never, ever did that again!

“It’s so important for us to work hard at nurturing and respecting all that family means and brings.”

Q. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LESSON OR TAKE-OUT FROM THE PAST YEAR?
Not to take anything or anyone for granted. I am blessed with an incredible support system around me, and I cherish that and all that is God-given.

Q. AFTER THE PAST TWO YEARS OF LOCKDOWNS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2022
It’s set to be a big year, filled with new music and, hopefully, lots of long-missed live performances. I am more inspired and settled now than I have ever been!

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