Q&A with Azana

Durban-born singer and songwriter Makhosazana Masango, better known by her stage name Azana, is passionate about art and creating. Her debut album, Ingoma, made number one on Apple Music charts. We catch up with the Afro-pop songstress.

Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
I love the arts. Expressing myself through body and mind makes me content.

Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING.
I grew up as the tallest of all the kids! I am the last-born child in the family – the only girl among two brothers. I was known for singing from the time I was a child. Growing up, I knew what I wanted and was sure of myself. My mother could tell that I would be a star from an early age. Even though I was sometimes shy, I had an inner confidence that reassured me.

Q. THE PAST YEAR WAS CHALLENGING FOR MANY REASONS. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
My biggest hurdle was not being able to perform my album and launch it from the day of release, but as the country was gravitating towards normal, I felt much excitement and relief.

“I started to record with my next-door neighbour at the age of 15, and I haven’t stopped since then.”

Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR DEBUT ALBUM.
Ingoma is a 14-track album that unravels my views and thoughts. Every track is unique and reflects how I think and talk. It was a great experience creating it with some of the best creatives in the country.

Q. PLEASE TELL U ABOUT YOUR SOUND.
I have a very relaxed and soothing sound that is inspired by great artists such as Sade, Msaki, Pip Millet and Erykah Badu. It is warm and sweet, like me!

Q. HOW DID YOUR MUSIC CAREER START?
Growing up, I always gravitated towards the music community, no matter where I was. I’ve always been part of a choir. I started to record with my next-door neighbour at the age of 15, and I haven’t stopped since then.

Q. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST CAREER LESSON THUS FAR?
I’d say it has to be trusting what I do before anyone else. That keeps me unstoppable.

Q. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE NEW YEAR?
I’m most definitely looking forward to the excitement and engagement around Ingoma. I’m also looking forward to all my upcoming performances and new opportunities to venture out, not only in my music.