Soulful sensation Viwo Kulati from the Eastern Cape received her first SAMA nomination last year, for Best Adult Contemporary Album, for her debut year, for Best Adult Contemporary Album, for her debut EP Love. As she embarks on her nationwide ‘Rise Above Tour’, we sat down with the rising star to find out more about her.  

Q: Did you always want to sing? 

A: For a short period of time, I thought I wanted to be a nurse, but my love for music and art grew as time went by. I guess I was always destined to be involved with music in some way, shape or form.  

Q: How did growing up in Makhanda influence you? 

A: It’s had a positive impact in my life and especially my career. I was exposed to a lot of talented, well- known music artists from a young age, at the National Arts Festival [held every year in Makhanda]. I was so inspired by all the musicians I got to see perform. Later, in 2017, I got the opportunity to grace the NAF Dakawa Jazz stage with Dumza Maswana, and things took off from there. Being a creative city, Makhanda boosted my enthusiasm to follow my heart and gave me the confidence to put my best foot forward.  

Q: What has been your favourite performance? 

A: It has to be the launch of my debut EP. Through so many challenges I was so proud that I actually started and completed the project. I also loved being a backing vocalist for Zonke.  

Q: Who inspires you?  

A: I love how Lalah Hathaway has been patient with getting to know her voice, and explores all parts of it. She isn’t strict when it comes to musical genres and explores all sorts of styles – deep jazz, R&B, hip-hop, neo-soul…  

Q: Advice for young female artists?

A: Seek knowledge and be eager to learn more about the industry as a whole. Knowledge is power; make time to read up about the industry so you don’t end up in uncomfortable and regretful positions.  

Quick-fire questions  

Current Read?
The Heart of Redness by Zakes Mda.  

Song on Repeat?
‘The Beautiful Ones’ by Prince.  

Best Local Travel Spot?
Tsitsikamma.  

New Single?
‘Nguwe Wedwa’, featuring Brandon Dhludhlu.  

Keep up with Viwo

Facebook: Viwo Kulati
Instagram: @viwokulati
TikTok: @viwokulati

Interview: Anelitha Hiti
Text courtesy of Balanced Life Magazine
Photo: Supplied