Musician conquers through death and illness

Birchleigh musician Mosekedi Candy Mokwena, widely known as Candy Tsamandebele (38), is taking on the music industry, despite all the challenges she has faced. She released her new album on November 30 last year.

Candy was born and bred in Limpopo at a village called GaSedibeng in Bolobedu with her mother and three siblings. At the tender age of 12 she joined a music group in her village where her mother was the group leader.

“I had to leave school when I was 17 because I fell pregnant. I went to work as a tea farmer to make means for my son,” Candy said.

Candy and her friend Nurse Matlala formed a group called the Shak Budu Girls in 1992, and they moved to Johannesburg in 1994 to pursue their music careers.

“When we arrived in Johannesburg, we didn’t know where we were going to start, looking for a recording deal but with the hard work we put in, we ended up working with Papa Penny Penny in 1994,” she added.

Candy says they worked as backing singers, choreographers and as behind the scenes crew.

“I decided to launch Mosekedi Entertainment in 2000 where I help develop new and up-and-coming artists. I also do community initiatives, among other things.”

She worked at Kalawa Jazmee in 2004 as a songwriter and backing vocalist for a group called B.O.P.

The year 2011 was one of Candy’s most trying times in her life when she lost her son in a car accident.

“That was the most difficult time of my life. I thought I would not be able to live anymore. The one thing that kept me going was my son’s daughter, who was 11 months old at the time. I knew I had to be strong for her and raise her for my son and daughter-in-law,” said Candy.

Six months after her son’s death, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

“I had to change my entire lifestyle, the food I ate, the workouts and so much more. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me,” she said, “but I am not one to be kept down.”

In 2013 Candy launched the Candy Tsamandebele Foundation. The organisation teaches young women and the youth about values. She says it is her vehicle to drive and leave behind a legacy as she continues to grow in the music industry.

Every year Candy dedicates her time to carry out community building initiatives such as visiting schools and donating school uniforms to the needy, as well as motivating the youth.

Candy has thus far released three albums with a group and four solo albums. She has worked with artists like Salif Keita, Femi Kuti, Kenny Latimore, Thandiswa Mazwai and DJ Fres to name a few.

Candy’s new album Hupenyu Unenge Viri is now available at music stores and on all digital platforms.