Passion main driving force for local musician
"Im playing traditional music on the album, which will make my message clearer."
Springs resident and musician Cyril Mntungwa recently released his first full-length album, Uyindoda.
Mntungwa has been performing with various bands over the years but has always wanted to release an album with his name on it.
The musician said his album will address issues such as gender-based violence and the question of respect.
When did you first start making music?
Music has always been a part of my life; I was in a family choir when I was very young, around the age of 10.
I really enjoyed performing for my family, so that’s when the passion started and I’ve been singing and writing songs since I can remember.
Also read: Music – the only truth
When did you start playing professionally?
I recorded an album with a band in 2008 under the leadership of Splash Music, and we performed in many parts of Gauteng.
After that I joined another group and some of our music was played on Nkosi FM.
However, it’s very difficult to make money as a musician when you don’t get enough airtime on the radio, so I’ve always had to work to support my family.
This year I produced my own album with my own name on it of which I’m very proud. I composed it, produced it and wrote all the songs. I hired a band to back my singing, but the rest I did by myself.
Is there a certain message in this album?
This album is all about teaching respect.
Young people don’t respect their elders like they used to do in the old days, which is becoming a big issue in this country.
Some modern music today teaches young people to be disrespectful and selfish, so in this album, I want to teach them about the importance of respect.
I’m playing traditional music on the album, which will make my message clearer.
Also read: Turn to music to spark your child’s creativity
What are you working on now?
For now, I am busy promoting my album.
So far I’ve sold more than 100 copies, which makes me very happy.
What advice do you have for young musicians trying to make it today?
I will tell them that passion must always come first.
If you go into it expecting to make millions, then you should pick something else.
Music is my passion, but I have to work a normal job to support my family. That doesn’t bother me because music is all about passion and love, not money.
