Chronicle Editor
Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter
THE country’s music industry has not been so kind to many female artistes who have been struggling to break out of the shell into the celebrity pool with some having uncomfortable stories to tell while some just give up along the way.
But for Nomazulu Chrystal who is a gospel artiste, giving up has not been an option as she has released another single gospel track – They Call Him El Shaddai – that she says is inspired by a response to a request she had to God.
Noma, who hails from Bulawayo’s Parklands suburb but is now based in Kwekwe released her first single – Nqonqoda in 2019 and says her journey in the music industry is inspired by real life situations and she is reaching out to the public with words of hope, comfort and praise through music.
About her latest offering, she said: “It was a tough season in my life and I was frustrated, worn out and had so many questions for God. But through the response to a cry I had, I was reminded that regardless of our shortfalls and flaws, God does not subtract any of His promises. That’s why in the song I ask what such a great and magnificent God is doing with an ordinary me,” she said.
She admitted the challenges in the music industry especially when one is unknown and not connected to decision makers, but said on her part her family had been there for her.
“My husband is my biggest support system. He believes in me even more than I believe in myself, so honestly that really keeps me going. I’m married and to tell the truth if your husband doesn’t have your back, you can’t do much,” she said.
Noma grew up in a Christian home which gave a significant influence on the genre of music she produces. She started writing songs when she was in Form Two but could not record any at that time. Her talent was later nurtured through the praise and worship team in church.
Noma added more value to it when she graduated with a degree in Music and Musicology at the Midlands State University (MSU).
Most of her compositions are inspired by her personal experiences while some are based on things that she sees in other people’s lives. Asked how she balances being an artiste and a mother, she said it was exciting especially when the family was supportive of the arts side of things.
Women, she said, put on many jackets, as they play the roles of mothers, wives, housewives, students, businesswomen and musicians all in one. She said that’s how the female Zimbabwean artiste portfolio was, urging families to support each other in their chosen paths.
“For now, I want to work on myself and my music and become a brand that will be respected and trusted. I am also aiming on that in a few years I should be able to produce my own music, and be recognised as one of the few music engineers. Above all I see myself still standing, learning and growing in the music industry because many artistes give up along the way but, in few years to come I will still be there, that I guarantee you,” she added.
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