We chat to songstress Nonku Phiri about music and her excitement on the upcoming Afropunk Joburg 2017 Festival. By Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1. I believe that music chose me. I spent my early 20s balancing my studies, work and music. After completing my studies, I decided to explore my musical side because I had something to fall back on. My love for music has remained consistent throughout my life, so I knew that I had to fully embrace it.
2. Being a musician is often a thankless job. Having a clear sense of purpose and self-identity helps me survive the industry because it is not easy. But, I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel, share my views and connect with an audience that resonates with what I have to say. This makes it worthwhile.
SEE ASLO: Nandi Madida to host AFROPUNK Joburg
3. I am grateful for the doors that 2017 opened for me, and am looking forward to 2018. This year, I was part of an interesting and fun Asian tour, and experimented with visual artistry at the Fak’ugesi Digital Africa Exhibition. I collaborated with visual artists the Honey Collective at the exhibition. I’m looking forward to sharing new music and performing at more events. The New Year will be amazing as I have a lot of surprises in store.
4. I love that many local artists are included in the Afropunk Joburg 2017 Festival. It is also exciting to have an event of this magnitude finally take place on our shores. I hope to see more of this as local artists have a lot to offer. I’m looking forward to finally seeing my favourite acts at the festival, and can’t wait to perform!
The festival will take place on 30 and 31 December at Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg
