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Azwidohwi Mphephu, a practicing social worker, is also known as Azwi in the music industry. She released her debut gospel album, Vha Mudzimu wa zwithu zwothe, earlier this year. Photo supplied.

Azwi keeps a level head about her music career

 

“I know that the entertainment industry is rough. I have seen many celebrities fading out without anything to show for their long music careers. I made a vow to never fully venture into the music industry before I attain a professional qualification to back up my music career.”

These words of wisdom come from Azwidohwi Mphephu, a qualified, practising social worker who released her debut gospel music album earlier this year.

Mphephu (34), who goes by the stage name of Azwi, says nothing is more important than education in today’s world. “Some of my fellow musicians enjoy fame while they forget about their education. My advice to all artists is to put education first because it helps you to understand the industry better and make wiser decisions when it comes to setting up contracts. When you are educated, you also have something else to fall back on, should your music career hit a snag.”

Azwi was born and raised at Maranzhe village outside Thohoyandou but now lives at Lunungwi. She started singing at the age of 12. “There was this church called Changing Lives Christian Centre next to our home at Maranzhe. I used to hear them singing and I would sing along with them while doing my daily chores. One day I decided to visit the church, and everybody was impressed by my beautiful voice. I was immediately made the lead singer of the church choir.”

Her music career really picked up when she met well-known local music producer Mashudu Nemukula, who took her to Big A Studios in Pretoria in 2019. “There is no need to rush things because good things come to those who wait. We gave ourselves enough time to work on my album, which was released at the end of January this year. The reason why I took my time in finishing this project is because my work as a social worker comes before anything else,” she said.

Azwi worked with seasoned musicians such as Arnold Ludere (keyboard), Maanda Nenguda (bass guitar), Parks de Blessing (lead guitar), Adam Chicken Mathye (drums), and Zwivhuya and Zukile Nkosi on backing vocals.

The six-track album, titled Vha Mudzimu wa zwithu Zwothe, has been well received by both gospel lovers and various radio stations. “I couldn’t contain my happiness when I heard my songs being played for the first time on national and community radio stations over the past few days. I believe they are playing my music because it is good, inspiring and entertaining.”

The album contains the songs Vha Mudzimu wa zwithu zwothe (title track), Misi yothe, Mbilu yanga, Mudzimu vho ri sedza, God over everything and Konke ku yenzeka. The album is available at all digital online stores.

For public performances and hard-copy sales, Azwi can be reached on 072 692 1651 (voice calls and WhatsApp). She can also be followed on Facebook (Azwidohwi Mphephu).

 

Entertainment - Date: 18 March 2022

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