Meet Siyabenya, the drummer behind Eze’s energy

‘Siyabenya’

Whether it is a simple chant or a powerful stage call, when Godolude utters the words Siyabenya Wena!!! during an Eze Energy Band live performance, audiences know what follows — the drums will be unleashed with intensity. While the band’s energetic dancers often take centre stage, it is hard to ignore the commanding presence of drummer “Siyabenya”, whose rhythm anchors the entire performance.

On stage, Siyabenya transforms into a force of energy, often drenched in sweat, shirt removed, and fully immersed in the rhythm, as if driven by something beyond the ordinary.

Born Oratile Palalane in 1997 in Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana, Siyabenya’s first encounter with music came at school, where he played marimba at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo High School in Kezi. What many may not know is that he is also the half-brother of rhumba musician Ndux Junior, sharing the same mother.

“I was born in Botswana as my late father hailed from the neighbouring country. But my mother is from Halawubha village under Chief Malaba. Ndux Junior is my brother; we share the same mother. But he is more than a brother, he is my father,” he said.

Siyabenya attended St Lisieux Primary School before proceeding to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Secondary School in Kezi. It was there that his musical talent began to take shape.

“My first introduction to music was through my brother Ndux Junior, but even though I assisted here and there, I was more of a spectator. At school, I was a leader of Scripture Union, where I played marimba, and we won all competitions.

“After finishing Form Four, I became more serious with music,” he said.
He later joined his brother’s musical setup, initially as a dancer. His transition to drumming, however, came by chance rather than design.

“One day, our drummer had a bereavement in his family, and it coincided with a big live show. We needed someone to step in, and I volunteered, though I faced strong doubts. We had a practice session before the show, and we performed well during the show, such that when the senior drummer returned, he was deployed as the band engineer,” he said.

Although encouraged by Ndux Junior to pursue education after passing O-level, Siyabenya’s passion for music grew stronger. He was later enrolled in a mechanics course, where he earned the nickname, Siyabenya.

“Most of the time, while under cars or during free time, I would use spanners to make noise mimicking drums. My teacher gave me the nickname Siyabenya, which I understand to mean a perfectionist in what one does,” he said.

He later worked with veteran musician Clement Magwaza as a dancer before being advised to fully transition into drumming.

“I was assisting Magwaza as a dancer while still with Batshele Brothers. Magwaza is the one who said I should play the drums and leave dancing. As a drummer, I first recorded with Ndux in 2015 on the album La Esiyakhona and most of his albums after that,” he said.

Siyabenya eventually met Godolude while working with Magwaza and joined the Eze Energy Band after its formation.

“I met Godolude while working with Magwaza and joined him after he started his own band. I have my brother’s blessings to work with Godolude, but when he has a show, I also go to assist him. He has a good working relationship with Godolude, so there are no challenges,” he said.

He notes that drumming remains a demanding craft, one that has left many bands struggling to secure skilled percussionists.

“I am a full-time musician, and it requires patience and hard work to get results. I have three children, Awakhiwe, Anitah and Lisah, whom I support through music. We hope to get more support as artistes because this is a full-time job,” he said.

Despite losing his father, he continues to maintain strong ties with his family in Botswana, grounding his journey between two cultures that have shaped his life and music.— @themkhust