'Still relevant 20 years later, that's a blessing' - Simphiwe Dana celebrates music milestone

Amy MacIver, in for CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King, is joined on Weekend Breakfast by South African singer and songwriter Simphiwe Dana.

Listen to their conversation below.

"I think I've been lucky...the music industry is a very uncertain one... when it comes to a career choice. So to still be around and relevant 20 years later is quite a blessing."

- Simphiwe Dana, singer and songwriter

Celebrated South African singer-songwriter Simphiwe Dana is marking 20 years in the music industry with a two-night concert at Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre on 27 and 28 June. 

Her debut album Zandisile launched her into overnight fame in 2004, a transition she describes as "extremely overwhelming" due to her shy nature.

"But in that very same breath, I felt home. This was something that I was supposed to do with my life."  

- Simphiwe Dana, singer and songwriter

Dana’s path was anything but certain.

Leaving her hometown of Butterworth, where she was raised by her grandparents, to chase a music dream in the city was a leap of faith.

"It was very risky. It was extremely risky. And it's not something that I would advise anyone. And certainly now that I'm older, I will think twice about it. But I took a leap of faith at the right time. It was not a calculated risk. It was just a risk."  

- Simphiwe Dana, singer and songwriter

Now, at the age of 45, she reflects on her early years with no regrets about her musical journey.

"I definitely am different from that 24-year-old who released 'Zandisile'. There definitely are things that I would do differently now than I did before. But with regards to my music, I wouldn't change anything with regards to how I started."

- Simphiwe Dana, singer and songwriter

Dana's love for music began in her childhood, even if it meant annoying her mother with non-stop singing. 

That early passion eventually became a powerful voice not only in music but also in African cultural advocacy. 

As an African Union arts convener, Dana proposed using the arts to build unity across the continent.

"...music is its own language...and therefore, it crosses boundaries much easier than any other form."  

- Simphiwe Dana, singer and songwriter

Her upcoming shows, she says, are ultimately about gratitude.

"I'm coming to say thank you for the support, for holding me up, holding me down, being there and supporting my work. I wouldn't be here today, if my work was not loved and appreciated... as much as I'm celebrating that I've achieved like these 20 years...but most importantly, I'm coming to say thank you..."  

- Simphiwe Dana, singer and songwriter

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation