South African music artist Bongi Mvuyana is stepping into the spotlight with her new album, “Power”, which is a bold departure from her previous work.
Scheduled for release on October 4, his album marks a significant evolution from her earlier work.
Reflecting on her journey, Mvuyana said: “My first album ‘Dopamine’ was released in 2014. The woman, artist and creative I was then was still finding a style, a voice, and a point of view.
“I have evolved as a woman, an artist and a creative – I believe in myself and my ideas even more than before.”
The creation of “Power” was deeply personal.
“I had five attempts at a new album,” she revealed. “The financial losses, losses of loved ones, and my own near-death experience taught me that I have so much to fight for while I’m alive.
“I chose to find every bit of my power to create a purpose-driven life for myself. This album and its themes are a product of that decision.”
As an independent artist, Mvuyana faced significant challenges.
“Being an independent artist is not for the faint-hearted!” she added. “Financially, you will sacrifice a lot to make your product a success. I remember looking at the payments I’d made towards this album and thinking, ‘Man, I could’ve bought a really nice car in cash with all of this’.”
The album’s eclectic sound blends jazz, folk, gospel, and electronic influences. “Blending genres has always been more of an intuitive process than an intentional one,” Mvuyana explained.
“I always write a song from an authentic place – I listen to the music and wait for my spirit to respond.”
A notable personal transformation for Mvuyana was cutting her long hair, which she describes as symbolic.
“I woke up in May 2024 and felt in my spirit that I should cut it,” she shares. “My hairstylist, who had been growing my hair for 17 years, was in disbelief. I felt more beautiful and liberated than I’ve ever felt before.”
Mvuyana’s background as a regional strategy director has influenced her music career.
“Understanding product and service development, how to cater to target markets, and how to communicate effectively are all skills that I have brought into managing my own label and taking my music to market,” she said.
Looking back, she noted: “As a woman, I have arrived at a place where I love myself deeply and am able to love wiser and better. These themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are reflected in ‘Power’.”
For her upcoming tour, Mvuyana promised an unforgettable experience.
“We have been working for months on arrangements, vocal approaches, staging, and performance. I aim to give people the kind of experience that I would enjoy if I was in the audience.”
Family support has been crucial. “My mother has been at the core of my support system throughout my career,” she shared.
“My cousins and friends have also been a godsend, contributing their time, talents, and services. They have demonstrated that our communities are full of destiny helpers and it truly does take a village!”
Tickets for the “Power” tour in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, starting on October 17, will be available on Quicket.