13 Jun 2013

The Sekani sisters, Winani and Kuzdani, who originate from Moroka are perhaps among the examples of how music business can be rewarding if handled properly.

Still in their late 20s, Winani and Kuzani say they are determined to take the jazz industry by storm and prove wrong those who still think the genre belongs to the older generation.

That the two sisters are a force to reckon with in the performing arts circles is in no doubt. In 2011, the South Africa’s High Commissioner to Botswana invited them to perform at Pondo Culture and Heritage Annual Festival held at the Eastern Cape year.  In 2012, they were invited to the Zimbabwean Annual Cultural Festival in Harare and media reports showed that they did not disappoint.

The duo, a common feature behind the legendary Ikalanga jazz maestro, Ndingo Johwa, performed during the 2012 Domboshaba Cultural and Heritage Festival. Winani and Kuzani have also toured the length and breadth of the country with Johwa as backup artists.

Such is the stature of Kanvuthi, as the duo is popularly known in music circles. They say they never got discouraged as they waded through a web of difficulties to become the stars they are today.

Their entry into the music industry was through their debut album titled Lodonzela, an Ikalanga word for doing things in an orderly manner. The six-track album was released in 2010 and according to the sisters, it did not do well in the market.

Music promoters and recording companies were to blame for their loss. “I will not advise any new artist to go into contract with these people because you have more to lose than gain,” said Winani, adding, “if you are not strong enough, they can cause you to quit music.”

They are looking forward to releasing My Lingo My Pride later this year.  Equipped with Business Studies qualifications from GIPS, both girls are hands on when it comes to production, although they have other commitments such as full time jobs that barely give them time to work on their music.

Winani for instance, enjoys the limelight as a national softball player of repute. She has countless medals achieved both locally and internationally, including as far as Venezuela. As for the SADC region, she has been to every corner without fear to bring home medals of all sorts. Locally she has played for big teams such as BDF and Police.ENDS