She Defines Soul.Substance.Style (No. 008): Zamajobe

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Written By: MIM!—The talented young singer first entertained the public with her smooth, jazzy voice during the South African Idols competition in 2003. Upon reaching the top ten, Zamajobe Sithole was snapped up by recording company, Sony/BMG and released her debut album, Ndawo Yami (which translates to "My Place") in 2004 firmly cemented Zamajobe Sithole's place on the continent’s music scene.

Loved by critics and fans alike, Zamajobe's debut album was certified gold in South Africa and earned Zamajobe four South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominations in the categories: Best Newcomer, Best Jazz Vocal Album, Best Joint Composition, and Best Engineer. When the gifted young artist talks about her debut album, she immediately displays the intensity that propelled its creation, talking seriously about the vision that underscores her second album in a way that makes it impossible not to be drawn into it. “For me the album is about bringing everything that makes up village life in Africa into an urban setting in a way that’s easy for everyone to relate to,” Zamajobe explains.

Firmly rooted in community, Zamajobe's second album, Ndoni Yamanzi (released in the fall of 2008) continued in the tradition of her debut. According to Zamajobe, Ndoni Yamanzi means a black stone or it could mean a beautiful black woman. Most of the album is sung in her home-language, Zulu. "It just felt right to keep it close to home. This is a personal album in so many respects and singing in Zulu just felt right."

With a sophisticated jazz sound that remains grounded in African soil, Zamajobe is driven to create original music that is a true reflection of who she is and where she is at; and what a great place to be at the top of South Africa's list of jazz artists. Get to know more about this woman who defines Soul.Substance.Style at www.zamajobe.co.za.

(Photo Credits: Sony BMG South Africa)