It’s never easy to walk away from life’s true calling. Even after stepping away with the determination to move on, that passion, that dream and that ambition will always pull you back.
By Abigail MATSIKIDZE
After taking a break from the local music scene, urban grooves singer Betty Makaya, famed for her 2004 hit Kurwizi, remains popular as one of the leading musicians in the country. The pint-size singer has now announced her comeback with a single titled Complicated and in an interview with The Standard Style’s reporter Abigail Matsikidze (AM), Makhaya (BM) speaks about her past and future in industry.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
AM: Many people know you as one of the best urban groovers to emerge at the turn of the new millennium. How has been your music like over the years?
BM: Well, I haven’t been in music for the longest time, so I cannot say much about it.
AM: What challenges have you faced in your career and how best did you deal with them?
BM: Wow, I think the fact that you always deal with different people in the industry and anywhere else, it means you inevitably deal with a lot. Be it people trying to take advantage of you, some shutting you out of every big opportunity, people’s misconceptions and more, l think these are some challenges anyone has to face and conquer.
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AM: You have been quiet for a while, what has been happening to you music-wise?
BM: Yes, I have been away for sometime, but I am back. I will be releasing more tracks from now on. A lot has been going on in my life as you know I now have four kids and a husband, so my time was being taken up mostly by family, work and studies.
AM: What are the remarkable moments in your music journey?
BM: The fact that l do everything knowing that somehow I can touch someone’s life, be it in their relationship or life in general. That small impact is huge for me because that’s what really tells me I’m doing something worthwhile.
AM: How best can you describe the state of R‘n’B in Zimbabwe from the time you ventured into music?
BM: I’m not a great judge when it comes to my peers, but all I can say is that there’s great stuff coming out of Zimbabwe whether R‘n’B or not. What l can say is that artistes are growing out of the genre shell and creating their own sound unique to themselves and backgrounds.
AM: You have been in South Africa for some time. Can you share your experience of that country’s music industry?
BM: Well, I have been exposed to new sounds and yes, it’s been exciting. Maybe, I might even write a house song, but obviously I will do it with the right guidance.
AM: What is it that you want to share with the upcoming urban groovers?
BM: Well, I live by one rule which is be yourself, do your own thing and don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot make it. Believe in yourself and don’t do things out of competition, but because you are passionate about whatever you do.
Look at me, I’m a mother who loves her kids dearly but I love music too. It’s okay for me to be a mom and wife. Look like a mom, act like a mom, but that won’t stop me singing my lungs out for the love of music.
