Online Reporter
Faith Ndlovu
Award-winning Afro-soul artiste MJ Sings, famed for his distinctive sound, has reflected on his musical journey, sharing how a neighbour’s shebeen played a role in shaping his musical influences from a young age.
In an interview, MJ Sings (born Mncedisi Ncube), popularly known as Bulawayo’s Prince of Soul, shared that his love for music began at a young age, growing up in a Christian household where music was an integral part of his upbringing.
“Music has always been around me from a young age. I grew up in a Christian background where every Sabbath, we had to sing in front of the church. I guess the bug bit me, and there was no turning back,” he said.
While gospel music was his foundation, his exposure to different genres came from an unexpected source — his neighbour’s shebeen, which introduced him to diverse sounds that later influenced his musical style.
However, his journey was not without challenges. MJ Sings struggled to find local role models in Bulawayo’s music scene, which led him to seek inspiration from South African artistes.
“The biggest challenge I faced starting out was finding role models to look up to musically from Bulawayo, apart from Majaivana (Lovemore),” he said.
“I ended up looking towards South African musicians, which made it difficult to distinguish my sound from theirs.”
Despite these challenges, MJ Sings has successfully carved out his own niche in the industry.
His creative process is deeply influenced by collaborations, movies, conversations, and reimagining existing narratives in new ways.
“My creative process usually differs depending on the collaborator and producer,” he said.
“When I’m working with my usual producer, I describe the kind of feeling I want to express, and we build the song around it.”
With a career spanning several years, MJ Sings has released numerous albums and singles that have captivated audiences in Zimbabwe and beyond. His dedication to his craft has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim.
His One-Man Show concerts were a hit, and fans have been urging him to make a comeback and revive his signature shows that were a highlight during his peak years. In response, the musician admitted that he was both surprised and honoured by the overwhelming demand for his return, seeing it as proof of his brand’s lasting impact on the local music scene.
“It’s incredible to see fans running a petition and asking me to bring back these gigs. I believe it’s nostalgia from watching past performances and videos of our previous shows. My absence from live concerts recently might have also contributed to the demand.”
His hard work was recognised at the 2022 Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards, where he won the Outstanding Kwaito/House/Gqom Act and Outstanding Music Video for his hit single Koloyi.
The year 2024, MJ Sings said, was dedicated to studio work, which is now bearing fruit.
“I spent much of last year in the studio, working on projects that I’ve started rolling out. Songs like Low-key and Temper are already performing well on the charts and in the streets.
“This year, I’ll be unveiling more of my work, including some exciting collaborations with Zimbabwean and international artistes. Fans can also expect more live performances, as my team and I are making that a priority,” he added.
Looking ahead, MJ Sings aims to take his music beyond Zimbabwe’s borders while promoting Ndebele culture and language.
“I want to expand my talent to a broader audience, beyond just the country. I also want to continue raising awareness about the Ndebele culture and language.”
“I hope listeners can relate to the stories I tell, and I hope my music makes a difference in their lives. I want it to inspire them to embrace their gifts and purpose while sharing them with the world,” he said.
