Zamajobe

Born in Frankfort in the Free State, Zamajobe Sithole grew up in Vosloorus, east of Joburg and sang in the local choir from the age of nine. Her early musical mentor was acclaimed gospel artist, Pastor Benjamin Dube. Zamajobe nagged her father for a guitar and started to write her own material. In 2003, she competed in the Pop Idols TV talent search, where made it through to the final 10 and built her own profile in the process.

A recording contract followed. She worked on her debut album with friend and producer Eric Pilani, and the album Ndawo Yami was released in 2004. It earned Zama, still only 19 years old, the Best Newcomer award at the 2005 Samas. Ndawo Yami went on to dominate the charts, spawning no fewer than four hit singles. Audiences fell in love with her fresh fusion of Afro-jazz, soul and funk. It was followed in 2008 by Ndoni Yamanzi, which disappointed some of her fans. She released Trailblazer on independent TMP label in 2012. In 2013, to celebrate 10 years in the music industry, she released Journey, a compilation of her old songs, as well as four brand-new tracks.