Local singer and Kagiso resident Zanele Vellem will celebrate and embrace her Xhosa roots ahead of Heritage Day.

According to Vellem, Heritage Month carries significant importance because it gives her a chance to appreciate and understand her Xhosa cultural values. One value she emphasised is siyaphala, which means to heal in Xhosa. “The value is more than just healing; it is a means to connect with my ancestors,” she said. “My late grandmother was a traditional healer. I may not practise exactly as she did, but she taught me never to forget where I come from. I show respect to my traditions in how I live, how I pray, and how I carry myself as a person.”

Connecting past teachings with modern art

For Vellem, Heritage Day is not merely a braai day, but a time to remember the teachings of her grandmother, to honour her ancestors, and to celebrate being a modern artist from Kagiso while remaining a proud Xhosa woman from the Eastern Cape. She has performed in various genres while embedding her roots in her music.

“Embracing my culture keeps me grounded in an industry that can make you lose yourself,” Vellem said. “My culture is my healing, and that’s the same healing I put into my music.”