Hitting all the notes right

“I NEVER thought I would one day end up playing for Zahara,” says Emmanuel Simeli (25) from Tshitereke village in Vhembe, a bass guitar player for Zahara.

Emmanuel says working with Zahara came as a surprise, but he is grateful that his dedication in the music industry has finally paid off.

He started his music career in 1999 as a keyboard player, and learned to play the guitar in 2004.

He received his big break in 2010 when he received an invitation to play for Mafikzolo’s Nhlanhla Nciza on her solo project.

Asked why he chose to play the guitar, he says those who want to be musicians think you can only do so if you can sing.

“You can be a musician just by playing an instrument. I am happy where I am. I hope this will send a message to young people that being ‘behind the scenes’ is also a career.

“I would one day love to open a centre in the province, where I will teach young people how to play musical instruments,” says Emmanuel.