Xoli M stepping up soulfully

I want to release an album that is going to change the game”

“First beat I ever heard, was of my own heart…” remarks Xoli Mazibuko.

            For listeners the first time they would hear her music would be some years later in 2010 when Xoli recorded her first hit track “Set Me Free” as Xoli M.
            Produced by Black Motion, her Soshanguve homeboys, “Set Me Free” enjoyed heavy rotation and in 2014 “Rainbow” also caressed by the production magic of Black Motion, emerged as one of the standout tracks of the year.
            In between what have became her most successful releases, Xoli M has written and recorded a steady stream of quality output and earned her reputation for being a vocalist of finesse.
            With much persistence we managed to coax the somewhat shy songbird to chat about her work and the following conversation is what ensued.

At what stage in your life did you actually realize that you had a “beautiful” voice as it has been described?

Xoli M: I could say I actually had a hunch not total knowledge.

I’ve always been a shy kid so I was afraid to show myself to people and expose my talent in case I’d possibly be crushed by the response.
I was only brave enough to discover myself when I was older and to actually get into a studio and record the way I eventually did.

Most people are really surprised when they hear their recorded voice played back to them for the first time? Can you explain the feeling you felt when you first heard your recorded voice played back?

Xoli M: I actually had no idea at all that my voice was husky.

It took that first recording to hear my own voice.

I can’t even remember the actual feeling I felt but I guess I was amazed hey.

The one challenge that is top of the list in my career is not being clued up on the business side of the industry.

This is also the number one challenge for most artists, especially female ones in a male-dominated industry.”

What do you think it is about your music that has made a lot of people listen up and pay attention and say “I’m going to download that song” or “I’m going to watch Xoli perform live”?

Xoli M: Well because of my genuine love for music everything becomes personal don’t write songs to make hits out of them.

So I guess because music comes naturally to me, it ultimately transmits to people and they actually draw the energy I send towards them.

Which artists have influenced you and why have they influenced you?

Xoli M: My all time favourite type of music is R ‘n B and soul because it helps me get in touch with my feelings.

The way I structure my songs is influenced by Tracey Chapman coz my mom used to listen to her a lot.

Brandy, as well because she has the most amazing, multiple ranges which I think I also have but it will take time and experience to actually explore them.

At what point did you come to the conclusion that music was going to be your career?

Xoli M: I guess I actually realized it after that very first song I did.

When I realized how naturally it came to me and how my first hit track came on was absolutely effortless.

With that in the bag, learning more about making a living out of it is the rest of it which then makes it a career

What would you regard as the highlights of your career to date?

Xoli M: I’ve performed on three big stages already, the SA Sports Awards, Metro FM awards, and the South African Music Awards, and with some of the best artists in the country.

So far these have to be the highlights of my career and of course the travelling that comes with it.

You have now been in the industry for over five years. Why has it taken so long to record a solo album?

Xoli M: I think you only understand this when you are an artist, that when we say we are not ready, it really is the case, because the challenges we face make us disregard any passing of time until everything falls into place.

It is also because I want to release an album that is going to change the game; it has all been worth the wait.

What direction will this album take in terms of will the sound remain the same as the singles you have put out over the years or are you going to express yourself in a different way?

Xoli M: As I’m growing and improving, the way I express myself also changes.

I’ve also let go of some of my insecurities so I’m definitely going to be experimenting with other sounds, so it’s going to be a mix of everything I’ve been about and also of some things I’ve discovered along the way through my musical journey.

Every rose has its thorns. What have been some of the challenges you have faced?

Xoli M: The one challenge that is top of the list in my career is not being clued up on the business side of the industry.

This is also the number one challenge for most artists, especially female ones in a male-dominated industry.

That’s why you get people who want to take advantage of you, but I’m glad I have been able to overcome that.

I think everyone would agree with me that Black Motion is part of my identity”

How have you come through these obstacles?

Xoli M: I guess I learned that experience is the greatest teacher after all.
I’ve had a period where I had no body to assist me in running my career and actually had to do things myself to keep things running which in itself made me learn a lot by trial and error.

Ultimately it made some of my challenges a little more manageable.

Of the producers you have worked with, which ones do you feel have brought out the best out of you?

Xoli M: I think everyone would agree with me that Black Motion is part of my identity as I started off with them and every time we work together everyone can feel the chemistry we have.

This is also a result of the fact that we grew up together hence we connect at such a great level.

Who is your dream collaboration in terms of producers and artists you would like to work with?

Xoli M: I’d really love to work with Don Jazzy of Nigeria in terms of production and on a collaboration it would have to be Tiwa Savage whom I think is our African Brandy.

Their ambition and dedication in making our African music good enough to compete with the rest of the world really inspires me to improve myself every time.

As an artists who writes her own songs, how do you go about the creative process?

Xoli M: Sometimes it comes naturally and it should, but because at the end of the day it is a job and the show must go on, you sometimes have collect yourself and dig it from deep down within yourself.

What are some of the things you insist on before going on stage to perform live?

Xoli M: Overall sound quality must be excellent, the rest follows after that…

Some artists are really strict about their lifestyles, like not drinking cola drinks to protect their voices etc, what are some of the measures you take to protect your voice?

Xoli M: I don’t drink harsh beverages and I avoid screaming.

Should moviemakers ever make a film about you, which actress would you want to play the lead role?

Xoli M: Tsholofelo Monedi because I think she can play any role but more especially, every time she performs she expresses in so many ways a lot about me that people don’t really know about.

Home often anchors many people. How is your family life?

Xoli M: I’m a single mother to a seven year old, unmarried, the family I have is my mom and siblings, home is the only place I get the true essence of family.

When you are not doing anything music related, what do you enjoy doing?

Xoli M: I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with the people I love as well as discovering the new things we usually miss when we are working.

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Xoli M stepping up soulfully