Zamajobe

south africa

Zamajobe Sithole is evidently impacting the South African music scene with her debut album (released through SONY BMG Music Entertainment/Giant Steps label) titled, NDAWO YAMI (My Place) the album that announces an arrival of substantial new talent on the continent’s recorded music scene, has just achieve GOLD sales status (sales in excess of 25 000 units). Zamajobe received four nominations for SAMA 2005 in the categories; BEST NEWCOMER, BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM, BEST JOINT COMPOSITION (together with Erik Pilani), and BEST ENGINEER (Robin Kohl/Jazzworx) for the album NDAWO YAMI. First up is her astonishingly beautiful voice, which captivates with ease, and leaves listeners smitten in its powerful wake. Zamajobe has never been one for the strident, at times overbearing vocals beloved by so many of today’s stars: as NDAWO YAMI more than reveals, Zamajobe uses her voice at times sparingly, often with a slightly breathless edge, and always plump with just enough emotion to talk directly into the heart of anyone in hearing range. Next is Zamajobe’s performing ability and her ability to dominate a stage with the ease of an individual born to entertain. Her way with a song on a live stage was first evident on 2003’s Idols contest where the singer made it into the Top 10 and, during her performances, earned a devoted network of fans drawn to Zamajobe’s magic. And then there is Zamajobe’s song writing gift, which is on excellent display throughout the album. In many ways...