By: Natasha Archary
Fezeka Dlamini makes her debut as an amapiano artist alongside Mfana Kah Gogo and people cannot get enough of it.
The track has instantly become a trending hit in South Africa, which has the young star pitted as the hottest newcomer for the year.
Ukhalelani, which translates to “Why are you crying”, is what Fezeka calls a message of hope and healing. The track dropped on 03 June and has received an amazing response so far.
Speaking to DJ Keyez on The Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30, Fezeka grew up in Chatsworth, Durban.
Growing up in the small, tight-knit Indian community meant the youngster was not allowed to go out much.
“I only started going out and exploring the city on my own a bit when I started making music. Growing up without my parents was not easy, I was raised by my mom’s sister.”
Fexeka Dlamini shares with DJ Keyez that she lost both her parents at a young age
Fezeka lost both her parents within months of each other, in the same year, when she was just 5-years old.
“In primary school, she was the only black child in her class. It was actually nice because I got to learn more about other cultures, and was never treated like I was different because I wasn’t Indian.”
The youngster who’s currently in Grade 11, is up in Johannesburg for a break after mid-year exams.
Why are you crying?
Ukhalelani is what Fezeka describes as a feel-good track about love and courage. She knows there are so many people who can relate to the pain of losing both parents.
While she’s happy now and has accepted the loss of her parents, there was a time when she thought she was at the lowest of lows without them.
“I don’t want to use the fact that I lost my parents as an excuse for not pursuing my dreams. There was a time when I missed them and I didn’t know how to express myself. It was only when I started to sing and express myself through music that I started feeling better.”
The track is a message to people who may be feeling equally as despondent, that yes, life will throw something hard at you, but it’s how you choose to fight that is important.
Fezeka will be releasing her debut EP in July and says she wants her music to be about healing.
WATCH: Fezeka Dlamini drops Ukhalelani on The Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30
Also read: Abidoza takes a “Diamond Walk” on the Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30