Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
WITH music in her blood and creativity running through her veins, 16-year-old Helena “Spoonky” Mlauzi is making her entry into Bulawayo’s music scene, determined to carve out her own identity.
The budding AmaPiano artiste is already attracting attention, and with musician and actor Japhet “Hwabaraty” Mlauzi as her father and creative traditionalist Precious Phiri-Mlauzi as her mother, her artistic upbringing has given her a strong foundation.
Spoonky made her public performance debut at this year’s Makokoba Music Festival, where she impressed audiences with an energetic performance that offered a glimpse of her potential.
She has since taken another step in her musical journey with the release of her debut professional single, uMalume. The emotionally charged song explores the plight of children left in the care of relatives when their mothers migrate in search of better opportunities.
It tells the story of a mother who sacrifices everything to provide for her children, only for the uncle entrusted with their welfare to misuse the money she sends home. As a result, the children are left struggling, with their education and well-being at risk.
Through the song, Spoonky highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by children in migrant families, turning a painful social reality into a call for accountability, love and responsible care-giving.
Her sound is largely influenced by contemporary African music, particularly AmaPiano. However, growing up in a musically rich household has also exposed her to different musical styles and traditions.
“My musical journey began with a song called Siyabangena, which I performed during a school presentation. That experience became an important starting point in discovering my confidence and interest in performing.
“My inspiration comes from everyday life, young people’s experiences and the desire to communicate meaningful messages through music. For me, music is not simply about entertainment. It is also a way of telling stories, expressing emotions and connecting with people my age,” she said.
Away from the microphone and the stage, Spoonky remains a secondary school pupil in Bulawayo.
Her parents have deliberately kept details of her school private to protect her privacy and allow her to enjoy a normal school experience.
Hwabaraty said education remained their daughter’s priority, with her musical activities carefully planned around her academic commitments.
“We carefully plan her music activities around her academic calendar. During school terms, her studies take priority, while rehearsals, recordings and performances are arranged during suitable free periods and school holidays.
“We are very intentional about allowing her to grow as an artiste without overwhelming her with the responsibilities of the music industry at such a young age,” he said.
Having spent years navigating the arts industry, Hwabaraty and his wife are also determined to instil in their daughter the understanding that talent must be matched with discipline, humility and professionalism.
“I encourage her to understand discipline, humility, professionalism, respect for others and the importance of continuously learning her craft. I also teach her that music carries responsibility.
“An artiste has the power to influence society, especially young people, so it is important to be mindful of the messages we communicate. Above everything, I want her to develop her own artistic identity.
“Our role as parents is not to turn her into another Hwabaraty, but to guide her as she discovers who Spoonky is. We also constantly remind her that education comes first and that success should never come at the expense of good character,” he said.
With uMalume and its accompanying music video now released, Spoonky is looking to build on her promising start. She is already working towards releasing her debut EP in 2027.
Audiences can expect more original music, engaging visuals and carefully selected performances as the young artiste continues to develop her sound and establish herself in the industry.
“We are taking her journey one step at a time, making sure that her artistic growth remains balanced with her education and personal development,” said Hwabaraty.
For now, Spoonky is showing that while musical talent may run in the family, she is determined to compose her own story.
