WeeklySA_AdminThandeka in the area: Broke musical barriers during apartheid times
By Gugu Sibiya
PJ Powers who’s kept legions of people dancing and singing along to her infectuous tunes, will finally be conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award at the SAMA 27, tomorrow night.
Fondly named Thandeka, the blonder powerhouse says “It’s about time!. I’ve never received a SAMA and I was beginning to wonder why they’ve ignored all the work I’ve put out over the years. When people catch a glimpse of my awards collection, they always ask whether I’m still excited to add more. To which I respond, of course I still am!”
“Awards serve as a recognition and appreciation for your work and impact on those around you. I’ve got so many awards from all over Africa including Icon and Legends Awards. In the 40-years I’ve been in showbiz, it’s only for two years that I haven’t gotten awards.
A chirpy Thandeka says she’s on cloud nine. “Since I started working with Mzansi Choir, I’m so excited about each and every moment of the experience. The enthusiasm with which the youngsters have dived into the collaboration, is encouraging.
“They are soaking everything they are learning like a sponge. It’s incredible. I’m blown away by the respect they’ve shown me and what we’re building. Imagine the calibre of artists they’re going to become. I’m charged up” she says.
A singer who’s observed how lack of collaboration across the art spetrum has buried talent by the way side. “Like in most countries I’ve travelled in, I’m passionate about youngsters working with seasoned artists, to the point of sharing the stage.
“Artists should go on for as long as they wish instead of being shoved into obscurity – until they pass away. Like now, Tshepo Tshola and Steve Kekana’s music which is now getting airplay. After a month it’ll be over” she says of two legends she’s done duets with.
Fortunate to be showered with so much love locally, Thandeka is among 10 icons in the country whose life stories are being captured on documentaries by MNet. I feel privileged to be singled out for this honor. I’m ecstatic.” A little birdie said other icons on the list include the late Jonas Gwangwa, Charlize Theron, Mark Shuttleworth.
“I’m so happy with the trajectory my career has taken. I’ve travelled the world thanks to my career alone. Depression and anxiety have plagued me for a while but medication takes care of that.
“After indulging on alcohol for years, I finally stopped. I’m happy to say I’ve been sober for the last 11-years” she reveals.
Giving a glimpse of where it all started. “My mother brought back from the USA a film of the late Miriam Makeba singing Pata Pata. It stirred something in me. There was something profound about Mama Africa’s music. I threw caution to the wind and dropped You are so Good to Me.
“It launched me in a big way. Inspite of apartheid my songs enjoyed cross-over appeal. The late Cansas City Mchunu and VVO Mkhize of the then radio Zulu, were exceptional in their support. My performance at Jabulani Amphitheatre, Soweto in 1983, opened the flood gates of love I’ve received from people across the townships all over the country” she says in disbelief.
“Soweto was an eye-opener. It ignited my curiosity about township life. I went on a shebeen tour and got to know people and that we are the same. The two communities and the unspoken rule that never shall the twain meet doesn’t apply to me. I’m really enjoying ny country and its people” she says reminiscing about her friends ekasi.
Thandeka’s in the studio cooking hits. ‘’I’m happy with what we’re creating with Mzansi choir. Besides I’m looking forward to the next 20-years of my life” ends the Brand SA ambassador.
