KwaZulu-Natal-born musician Umzulu Phaqa, whose real name is Sphiwe Linah Moya, announced on Saturday, 28 March, that she’s taking a break from her unfulfilling music career.
The tragic narrative about the music industry being cutthroat has sadly defined the young artist’s career.
Surprisingly, this announcement comes after being signed to Gallo Music and the release of her new single, Thakatha Njalo, featuring DNA Ka Zulu.
A PROMISING MUSIC CAREER PUT ON HOLD
Umzulu Phaqa, who boasts over 30K monthly listeners on Spotify, shared a caption that encapsulated her decision:
“The end: Just like that, senganele [I’ve had enough]. This music thing isn’t for me, and it isn’t working out. For now, I’m parking it. Thank you for the continued support. When I gather the strength again, I’ll be back one day,” she wrote.
A few days before the announcement, the Grammy hitmaker opened up about the uncertainties surrounding her career, titled “My museum of failures as a 25-year-old South African musician.”
- “Still broke. Now savings. no assets. I’m constantly undervaluing my work most times performing for exposure. Free gigs or low pay.”
- “7 years in and I’m still carrying everything alone, being the artist, the manager the strategist the fixer. It looks strong from the outside but inside its heavy. And sometimes you don’t even realise how tired you are until the passion starts fading.”
- “All that strategy of working with “big names” did nothing for my career. I’m exactly where I was from when I started. Just cooler with bragging rights I guess.”
- “My parents hate my career choice. I’m an outcast and a failure in most of [my] family members’ eyes. Some even go as far as painting me demonic.”
- “Most days I feel like quitting but hey I keep my head up and keep going. it can only be God. I know it gets better.”
THE UNDENIABLE INFLUENCE OF UMZULU PHAQA
Although her music career will be put on hold, her fans will continue to enjoy the brilliance and diversity found in her discography.
Her most popular song, Grammy is both catchy and empowering, as it speaks to manifesting one’s dream into reality.
Umzulu Phaqa and Msfit brought their aspirations to fruition and pushed through despite life challenges.
The fashion aspect of her presentation is another talking point as it forms part of her storytelling. While her dark skin accentuates her natural beauty.
What once seemed like a promising music career, or at least it looked like that from the outside, has sadly reached a concerning pause; however, her influence and artistry remain infinite.