Big Zulu is reaching new heights in music
With each milestone reached, an artist inches closer to realizing their grand vision. For Big Zulu, this journey is about personal evolution and the profound impact he can make through his music.
Currently, the acclaimed musician finds himself at the pinnacle of his career, exemplified by the launch of his latest endeavor, ‘Ngises’Congweni’, symbolizing his ascent to the summit of musical excellence.
Big Zulu is fully immersed in his musical dream, where every achievement signifies not just success but also a deeper connection with his audience, aiming to inspire and uplift through his songs.
“We’ve been sitting at this peak for quite some time now, and this album is just a celebratory expression of this euphoria, marking our journey’s triumphs.
“I am extremely pleased at how far we have come, appreciating the hard work, discipline, respect, and patience we have collectively poured into our craft. These elements have all culminated to bring us to where we stand today,” he said.
You might have noticed that when Big Zulu speaks, he consistently makes reference to ‘we’ instead of ‘I’, underscoring that much of what he accomplishes is carried forth by his ancestors. Additionally, he acknowledges his fans, whom he regards as the driving force behind his success.
He is also fond of reverting to his roots as a driving force for his artistic journey, serving as a propeller to further propel him forward in his career.
But before music can be produced, the star has to find himself in a certain space to make these emotive, heart-jarring songs that not only speak to his brand but that have captured Mzansi.
“Music, for me, is a spiritual thing that is accompanied by whatever feeling I feel at that point in time. So it is always important that I find myself in a certain state to write that song or immerse myself in whatever the song’s subject is. So if it’s sadness, I need to understand the subject enough to deliver; if it is joy, the same is needed. So purging myself of me and stepping into those elements is crucial,” he said.
Big Zulu, real name Siyabonga Nene, hails from Bergville before relocating to the Vaal area to live with his mother in his teen years. And while coming to Gauteng, he opened his eyes to the many opportunities that this new place offered. Music started all the way from the rural areas, where it formed an important point of celebration and expression.
“Back at home in the rural areas, we grew up dancing a lot and singing as our pastime activity. Even today, singing is still at the very center of village life, and as I grew up, music was just something that was in my heart.
“My pursuing music was not, at all, hinged on success or fame. It was always deeply entrenched in my love for the art form, and whether I succeeded in it or not would have never deterred me from the love. Music has a deep place in my heart, and knowing that people appreciate what I do became a bigger bonus for me,” he said.
This fourth album was completed in two weeks, he shared, and features the likes of Makhadzi, Mlindo the Vocalist, Mqobi Yazo, and his entire Nkabi Nation. It weaves together stories of love, community, hope, death, and poverty.
“The last time I checked, the album was sitting on No. 1, which not only speaks to the album title of being at the peak of the game but also is a testament to what happens when music is released at the right time. When people are ready and hungry for new music, release music that speaks to the soul at the right time.
“Respecting the power of music has also contributed to where we find ourselves today. My journey in music has taught me that this art form should be revered and not underestimated, and as artists, we should acknowledge the profound influence it wields.”