Rising South African artist Imvemnyama unveils two thought-provoking singles, “Sawa Street” and “you’re not who you think you are (cape town)!”, out now on all streaming platforms.
A Storyteller with a Song
Imvemnyama, born Sive Mqikela, is a unique voice in the South African music scene. He draws inspiration from the everyday life and hidden stories that exist within his home country.
Mqikela explains his artistic approach, “Imagine a kraal [traditional enclosure for livestock] where a black sheep is born.They may not be seen as valuable, but they become the longest-standing member, a living historian. This is how I see myself as Imvemnyama – a black (singing) sheep, offering a perspective on the unseen and unheard.”
“Sawa Street”: A Tale of Lost Hope
“Sawa Street” paints a poignant picture of young warriors sent to retrieve stolen cattle, a source of sustenance for their community. The song’s tension builds as the warriors return not with cattle, but spoiled milk, leaving the people with nothing but disappointment and hunger. The lyrics capture the despair and fear that grips the community as they face the prospect of starvation.
“you’re not who you think you are (cape town)!”: Confronting a City’s Contradictions
The second single, “you’re not who you think you are (cape town)!”, is a powerful letter to Cape Town. It challenges the city’s image as a picturesque paradise, urging it to confront the struggles of poverty and violence in its townships.Featuring poet Makhafula Vilakazi, the song is a call for honesty and action. The lyrics expose the hypocrisy of a city that prides itself on its beauty while ignoring the suffering of its marginalized communities.
Imvemnyama’s music aims to be more than just sound; he strives for each song to evoke a vivid sensory experience. “The songs I create are inspired by ordinary life and spaces in South Africa,” he explains. “I find beauty in the everyday and want my music to remind people of that.”
Connect with Imvemnyama
Social Media:
Instagram: @imveblack
Listen to the Singles: https://linktr.ee/Imvemnyama