THIS 10-PART SERIES IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH FUNDING SUPPORT FROM MUSIC IN AFRICA FOUNDATION, THE GERMAN FEDERAL FOREIGN OFFICE, SIEMENS STIFTUNG AND GOETHE-INSTITUT.
Buyisiwe Njoko is a mom, a writer, a songwriter, a philosopher, a teacher, a free thinker, a humanitarian who believes in liberty and the vocalist of Sun Xa Experiment.
In this interview she talks about the importance of professionalism, having your affairs in order, being present as a mother, the role of the extended family, and the need for the industry to support the mental health aspects of parenting and performing.
Show Notes
[02.02] Music as a calling.
[05.43] Sun Xa Experiment – the evolution of a band.
[08.56] A mum and her son.
[10.34] The importance of professionalism.
[13.03] The impact of children on a music career, and the role of the family.
[14.40] Some of the challenges faced as a parent.
[15.55] A support system.
[17.11] Mum is for caring.
[18.33] It’s different now.
[21.01] Children and music.
[23.50] How the industry could better support parents.
[26.41] The impact of parenthood on creativity.
[31.47] Local artist to look out for.
[34.06] Advice for indie artist / parents.
Connect with Buyisiwe on social media
You can find Buyisiwe on Instagram, as well as Sun Xa Experiment. Head over to Bandcamp to buy Sun Xa Experiment’s music, or to explore the Bandcamp of Digging Thoughts.
Bonus Content
Quotes
“The more I sang, the more I found myself.” – Buyisiwe Njoko
“It’s no longer a job, it’s a service.” – Buyisiwe Njoko
“When you are a parent, you need to be a person with order.” – Buyisiwe Njoko
“Having family, that’s what really brought sanity to me, and I’m just grateful for that.” – Buyisiwe Njoko
Listen to the growing Spotify playlist of the artists featured in this special series of interviews.
Behind the Scenes
About Music In Africa Live
Thousands of African musicians have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which has introduced unprecedented lockdowns and restrictions across the continent. African musicians and professionals traditionally make a living from live performances, and now they find themselves in extreme difficulty. The main goals of Music In Africa Live is to support the African Music industry by enabling musicians earning opportunities from digital live performances at a time when many of them have lost their usual income due to the pandemic; to develop critical skills among professionals to enable them to navigate challenges occasioned by the pandemic and lastly to support Music advocacy activities on the continent. The project is supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut.
About the Music In Africa Foundation
The MIAF is a pan-African, non-profit organisation based in Rosebank, Johannesburg, with satellite offices in East, West and Central Africa. The MIAF’s mission is to support the African music sector through promoting knowledge exchange and creating opportunities and capacity for music professionals. The foundation does this in two ways: digitally via the Music In Africa website and offline through training programmes, artist mobility programmes, workshops, concerts, lobbying, conferences and other related initiatives.