Sku set for emotional stage comeback at Nama

THERE is a certain magic about artistes who return to the stage after time away — a quiet confidence, renewed hunger and a deeper appreciation of the journey. On Saturday, that magic will belong to Sku, the urban grooves songstress who is set to make an emotional comeback appearance at the National Arts Merit Awards in Harare.

For fans who came of age in the early 2000s, Sku — born Sikhululekile Mpofu — is a familiar name. She burst onto the scene in 2003 at the height of the urban grooves movement, carving out her own niche in Afro pop and Kwaito while performing alongside some of Zimbabwe’s brightest young talents.

Her early years in music delivered several memorable milestones. In 2004, she featured on her brother POZee Younga97’s album Kasi Lami, contributing to the hit Hamba Nobani, a track that cemented their status as a formidable sibling duo. Her debut album produced the popular love anthem Owami, followed by her second project, Dlulile, in 2005.

Sku and POZee Younga97 kept the momentum, working under their Kas’novalo Entertainment label and releasing singles such as Why Mele Senze Kancane Vele in 2008. Even as the music landscape evolved, the two continued to collaborate, producing later tracks including Top Notch (2021), Ama Rights featuring YTK Wamampela, and their 2022 release Tikilisha, alongside Leslie Kampila and Hoodlegend.

Her stage career has taken her beyond Zimbabwe. She performed at the Zimbabwe Music Awards in 2005 when POZee Younga97 won the Most Promising Young Artiste award, graced the Nama stage in 2008 and appeared in Zambia and South Africa, earning a reputation as a versatile live performer. More recently, she featured at an Econet event at the ZITF and at the Pub Choir in 2025 — subtle reminders that her spark never fully faded. Despite her consistency and talent, Sku later stepped back from the spotlight to focus on family. In an interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, she reflected on that period with gratitude.

“A good book doesn’t end when you close it; it flows into everything you become. The longevity of my absence from music did not erode the music in my blood. Catchy melodies, meaningful lyrics and masterful production make my songs memorable and enduring,” she said.

There is no mistaking the excitement in her voice when she talks about her return.
“I am thrilled,” she said. “I want to prove that old wine tastes best!”

Her journey has also been deeply personal. In 2014, she released the gospel single Sibusiso Sami, inspired by the traumatic birth of her daughter, who was born with apnoea — pauses in breathing, commonly associated with congenital heart conditions.

“The song Sibusiso is a cry of pain and anguish. Her life was hanging on a loose string, but God, in His marvellous ways, brought her back to good health. Today, she is a healthy teenager. Indeed, a gift from God – isibusiso.”

It is a testimony that adds emotional depth to the artiste who will be returning to the Nama stage — not simply as a performer, but as a woman who has endured, grown and emerged stronger.

Reflecting on her earliest experiences in the industry, Sku said: “My most memorable appearance was when I performed for the first time in 2003 at the Zima Awards,” recalling the nervousness and exhilaration of that defining moment.

Her bond with POZee Younga97 remains central to her artistic journey. Growing up together, she said, meant they shared creative dreams from an early age.

“Growing up together with my younger brother meant that we had shared goals. This has catapulted us to pray and hope that those dreams would act as an efficient incentive and catalyst to realise our musical aspirations.”

At home, her biggest supporter is her daughter, Sibusiso.
“Sibusiso is an amazing fan. She mimics my performances. But she is more of a hip-hop and RnB person. She listens more to her uncle’s music than she does to mine.”

Looking ahead, Sku insists her return is not simply a nostalgic moment but a renewed commitment to her craft.
“I’m definitely looking into doing that,” she said of new projects. “I need to get my hands on it and hold it down firmly.”

This year’s Nama ceremony, running under the theme Fearless Creativity, promises a vibrant showcase of Zimbabwe’s artistic excellence, blending established icons with rising talent. For Sku, however, Saturday night carries a more intimate meaning. It is not only about reliving past triumphs — it is about reclaiming her space, reigniting her passion and reminding audiences why her voice once defined an era.