Today we present a great LP from the Electric Jive archives. Sengaliwe, solo artist Nelcy Sedibe’s first album, was released in 1984 on the Soul Jazz Pop label.
From the liner notes on the back cover:
Nelcy Sedibe was born in 1957 at Barberton in the Eastern Transvaal. She did her primary schooling at Mganduzweni, from there to Masoyi Higher Primary to do Standard 5 and eventually went on to complete Form 2 at Mshadza High in 1977.
Nelcy started her singing career at the age of eight, singing for Sunday School. She also participated in school choirs. When she left school she went to work as a beautician. During those years she kept up her interest in music and joined a band called KAKAI. In 1980 Nelcy decided to go to Johannesburg to pursue her career in music. She had a strong belief in herself and was positive that she could break into the music world and become the best female vocalist in South Africa.
In Johannesburg she met Mr Mojapelo, Kori Moraba’s manager. He put her into Kori’s group as a vocalist. Together with Kori she toured the country gaining valuable experience performing in live shows, but she still wanted to be a solo singer and felt that this was not what she was looking for. Nelcy eventually met with producer West Nkosi who signed her to his record company. Co-incidentally, the group that backed Nelcy on her first recordings was KAKAI – and from here it was smooth sailing.
Back in her home town of Barberton, Nelcy rehearsed for almost a year before recording. During this time West Nkosi sent her a cassette to guide her in the style of music that she should be singing and recording. Nelcy began to feel that all her dreams were coming true. In April 1983, Nelcy received the news that she was to go to Johannesburg to record – she was delighted. She recorded a Maxi seven single which was aimed specifically at the Zulu Nation. She wrote her own music and lyrics for “KIKIZELANI” and West gave her some tunes like “SENGIZULA NEZWE”.
For Nelcy things have only just begun – and the sky is the limit.
Nelcy's song "Holotelani", the original Swazi-language version of "Kikizelani", was included on the groundbreaking 1985 compilation The Indestructible Beat of Soweto. The great singer has since passed on but her magical voice can still be heard through the numerous recordings she made - and this album is a real gem. Enjoy!
NELCY SEDIBE
SENGALIWE
produced by West Nkosi
Soul Jazz Pop BL 470
1984
Zulu Vocal
RS / MF
Makes great contribution while was waiting for publication of this phenomenal artist thank you brother for sharing these musical relics and encouragement so that it raise much more files for valuable artistic greetings and blessings to you from Colombia
ReplyDeleteOhh it's very sad to learn about her passing. I used to watch her music when I was a little kid, I vividly remember a documentary about one of her song " Sengaliwe" . I would like to write a Wikipedia article about her if you have more info please send me an email on bobby.shabangu@wikimedia.org.za
ReplyDeleteoh my did God when did she pass on?...tragic news indeed...but her music lives on and on...
ReplyDeleteHer song 'Sengaliwe' was one of her songs that were always on my mind since i was a kid. This morning (9/04/2016) i was playing this song in my jead until i decided to Google just the chorus and i never thought that i would find anything and i found this video!!! I am so so happy bt i am equally sad to learn of her passing. These are our artist we need to revive by writing about and commemorating.
ReplyDeleteHer song 'Sengaliwe' was one of her songs that were always on my mind since i was a kid. This morning (9/04/2016) i was playing this song in my jead until i decided to Google just the chorus and i never thought that i would find anything and i found this video!!! I am so so happy bt i am equally sad to learn of her passing. These are our artist we need to revive by writing about and commemorating.
ReplyDeleteThis time is gone from Nelcy....yooooh!!!, i loved that song too.
ReplyDeleteI miss her music. We need more of decent music....especially the kind of music that makes sense. Music for me is another way of preaching and in this world we are not all born to become pastor's, but through this kind of music from Nelcy,'BELIEVE ME,a lot of souls will be guided. (THIS TIME IS GONE). That time is gone sis Nelcy where people were composing good quality music...the type of music that will take your soul and make you think again about what you really need in life....special message, story teller....unguye onguye sisi.Ayolala amaqhawe zisale izibongo.
ReplyDelete