Phumzile Mahaye leverages her talents to bring positive change
Multi-talented artist Phumzile Mahaye uses art as an instrument for positive societal change.
An Alexandra-based artist Phumzile Mahaye has leveraged her multiple talents to change the lives of the youth in the community positively. Her artistic journey spans poetry, spiritual dance, acting, modelling, crocheting, farming, and even crafting classical musical instruments.
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Growing up, Mahaye was deeply influenced by the legendary Brenda Fassie, whose artistry resonated with her. “I have always been a Brenda Fassie fan growing up, I liked to sing, dance, and at school, I used to be in plays, and music classes,” she said.
In high school, she discovered her gift for choreography, and after her matric year in 2005, she joined a dance group. In 2006, she founded her own dance group, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to the arts and the development of others. She said by 2007, she fell in love with the microphone and had already ventured into the songwriting space. “I love expressing myself without talking.”
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But beyond personal fulfilment, Mahaye’s work is rooted in nurturing confidence in others, especially the youth. “I love to build self-esteem in kids and individuals… I am a motherly figure to some of the kids I taught. I love to see something I have nurtured grow to become a big and independent being.”
Despite her passion, Mahaye also faces the harsh realities of being an artist in Alexandra. “It’s difficult to get paying performances, and people don’t take us seriously most of the time when you come from Alexandra. We are seen as underprivileged and get peanuts in return.”
She added that a common challenge most artists in Alexandra faced was gatekeeping by those already in their industry. She lamented the exploitation of artists by people they know and respect.
When people engage with Mahaye’s performances, whether through dance, poetry, or theatre, she wants them to walk away empowered. She said her mission was to ignite hope, faith and to remind everyone to keep going and never give up.
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