Nozipho Phiri’s path to solo success: A journey of faith and music

Phiri’s upcoming album is a dream come true. With a career spanning over two decades, she has learned and grown significantly, and her solo work promises to showcase her unique sound and style. Titled Faith In God, the album will feature a blend of different sounds and languages, reflecting Phiri’s diverse musical influences and her desire to unleash a worship medley without boundaries.

Music In Africa caught up with Phiri ahead of the album recording at the Goshen City Church in Westdene in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 29 June.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: Congratulations on your upcoming solo album. What inspired you to take this exciting step in your music career?

NOZIPHO PHIRI: What inspired me to take this exciting journey is that I have been working with different people and learning a lot along the way. Being a musician is something that is deeply ingrained in me, and I’ve always had a desire to create something that is uniquely mine. This year I decided to take the leap and produce my own DVD. It felt like the right time, echoing the sentiment from the word of the Lord: “When the right time comes, I, the Lord, will make it happen”. This sense of divine timing and personal readiness motivated me to make the decision to create my solo album. It felt good and aligned with my journey. So I went for it.

How does it feel to be recording your album live, and what can your fans expect from the experience?

It feels great. I’ve been waiting for this moment for the longest time since I was very young. Obviously, due to certain things, it couldn’t be possible, but I am super excited. I thank the Lord. I am blessed as well. It feels really good to finally do something that you’ve been longing for. My fans can expect different sounds from this live recording. I am literally tapping into different sounds and unleashing my worship. My worship doesn’t have boundaries in terms of languages and melodies, so they must expect a lot of music and fresh sounds.

As a member of Joyous Celebration, how has your experience with the group influenced your solo work, and what unique elements will you bring to your album?

I’ve learned a lot. I’ve always told people that Joyous Celebration is more of an institution where you come with your raw talent, and they nourish it, and they mould it to become better. I’m going to apply the exact thing that I’ve learned over the years. Obviously, I will bring a different sound to my solo work because you can’t be a student and not have your own thing. I’m going to have my own thing, a new sound. Not completely new, but with a change that shows I’ve learned and grown. The unique elements I will bring to my album will be the uniqueness and freshness of what I’ve already learned from Joyous Celebration.

What themes and messages can listeners expect to hear in your music, and what do you hope to convey through your songs?

The message behind my songs is that of faith. I want to tell people that in everything they do, they must have faith in God and trust Him with all their hearts. My music is centred around this theme. Through my songs, I hope to convey the importance of knowing God and having faith in Him. For example, I have a song called ‘At the Mention of His Name’, which reminds listeners that in the name of the Lord, demons tremble. My songs are intended to remind people of the power and importance of faith in God in all aspects of life.

How has your musical journey evolved over time, and how have you grown as an artist?

Oh my God! That’s a beautiful question. I came to the music industry at a young age. I think I was 21. Obviously now I’m old. I’ve learned a lot, speaking to people, people creating their own music, how to create music, discipline, character. I’ve learned a lot throughout the years. And I have really grown as a musician because I’m definitely applying what I’ve learned throughout the years. It feels good, it feels right because it’s what I’ve seen from different people and also throughout the generation. So, I’ve really learned. I’ve learned a lot.

What can you share about your creative process, and how do you approach songwriting and production?

Basically, my album is a combination of different musicians. Some people wrote for me and I wrote certain songs in the album. For me, a melody comes first, then I have to write lyrics. Lyrics that are literally relevant to whatever situation that I’m going through. Meaning, maybe if I went through something spiritually or emotionally, I testify using my songwriting. In production, I have a brother called Sphiwe, who normally helps me with that section because I’m not too familiar with it. But songwriting is about emotions and spiritual stuff that I’m going through at that moment when a song comes up.

How does your faith and spirituality influence your music, and how do you hope to inspire your audience?

I normally testify using my spiritual journey or experience. So through my songs such as ‘Sinqobile’, I intend to inspire and to remind people of the power and importance of faith in God in all aspects of life.

What’s next for you after the album release, and what goals do you have for your solo career?

My goals include broadening my reach, connecting with fans worldwide and showcasing my music to diverse audiences. I aim to create memorable live experiences and establish a strong presence in the global music scene.

How do you balance your time between Joyous Celebration and your solo pursuits, and what support do you receive from your team and fans?

It’s going to be a struggle, I don’t even want to lie. It’s going to be a struggle to balance between the two projects, but I’m willing to do it. I know that I have the best team that will assist me concerning time management, and for me to always on time. And also, my followers mustn’t worry, I’ll still be the Nozipho that they know from Joyous Celebration, just that I will have my own thing, so I will be able to balance the team and the followers.