Singing her own TUNE
Club|December 2024
Award-winning singer and actor Busisiwe Thwala - aka Cici - is living proof of the power of 'dancing through the pain'. And she's only just starting to spread her wings...
Christi Nortier
Singing her own TUNE

Cici was not a chatty child, but she felt she had plenty to say. And she learnt early on that expression came much more naturally when she had a backing track. "My parents were both pastors, so I grew up singing. My love for performing music was nurtured in the church and school choirs."

She was also drawn to the heartfelt storytelling of country music and Dolly Parton was an early idol. But her biggest musical influence was her late older brother, Sbongiseni. "He used to play me his music, like Mariah Carey and Bon Jovi, and exposed me to different genres. He'd perform at local events and try to be like Usher. The crowd would go crazy, and I always thought: I want that!"

Who is she?

Cici started writing songs by tweaking the lyrics or tempo of tracks she already liked. When she began weaving in her own stories and feelings into it, that's when she discovered the gift of storytelling through music. Now, creating songs with meaning is her main objective.

"I always found that music was the one thing that either made me feel better or was able to help me to express myself and what I was feeling in that moment. Sometimes there are things you don't know how to say, but music can express how it feels. It can resonate with people, and they apply the message to their own life."

At 16, Cici had already made it to the top 32 in Idols SA and the second round of Afrikaans singing contest Supersterre. "Those competitions were exciting but also scary because, looking back, I wasn't ready. But they prepared me for what was to come."

After school, she enrolled for a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. However, due to financial difficulties, she had to leave her studies at the beginning of her third year and took up a job as a promoter, and then started an office job.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2024-Ausgabe von Club.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2024-Ausgabe von Club.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS CLUBAlle anzeigen
More Jolly, LESS FOLLY
Club

More Jolly, LESS FOLLY

We look at the do's and don'ts for celebrating the festive season in the workplace

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
8 STEPS TO AN Affordable Holiday
Club

8 STEPS TO AN Affordable Holiday

From quality time with family to me-time on the beach, a vacation is always good for the soul - but it shouldn't break the bank

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 2024
Summertime SADNESS
Club

Summertime SADNESS

For most, the promise of warm weather, longer days and outdoor adventures lifts one's spirits. For others, it can bring an unexpected visitor: summer depression

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
hold your HORSES
Club

hold your HORSES

We all overindulge sometimes, whether it's eating that oversized burger or having another drink when we know we shouldn't. But when and how should we draw the line in the interests of our health?

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
love YOUR LIVER
Club

love YOUR LIVER

One of the most hardworking organs in your body plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health. Here's how to support its work

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024
Singing her own TUNE
Club

Singing her own TUNE

Award-winning singer and actor Busisiwe Thwala - aka Cici - is living proof of the power of 'dancing through the pain'. And she's only just starting to spread her wings...

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 2024
LAUGH OUT LOUD
Club

LAUGH OUT LOUD

This festive season, we turn our spotlight on Goliath and Goliath (G&G) - South Africa's comedic powerhouse. They may not all be blood-related but, together, these guys are changing the comedy landscape with their unique blend of humour, heart and hustle

time-read
6 Minuten  |
December 2024
Holiday magic
Club

Holiday magic

Escape to Europe with our take on a snowy, white Christmas - with some added SA flair, of course!

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
location, location, location!
Club

location, location, location!

You can eat with your eyes, so why not travel that way, too? Captivating, unexpected and inspiring, these destinations should be on every décor-lover's bucket list...

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024
Pre-PARTY PREP
Club

Pre-PARTY PREP

Special events call for special preparation - even a little extra effort can go a long way in leaving a lasting impression

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024