Born in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, Siphokazi Maraqana is an Afro-soul songstress whose songs are rooted in traditional Xhosa rhythms and harmonies. She polished her talent as a backing singer for some of the country’s top talents such as Tshepo Tsola, Ringo Madlingozi, Pat Matshikiza, Simphiwe Dana, Zama Jobe and Stimela.Her debut album, ‘Ubuntu Bam’, earned her respect in the music industry and went on to sell closed to 100 000 units. She scooped SAMAs for Best Newcomer and Best African Adult Contemporary album in 2007. She also cleaned up at the 2007 Metro FM Awards, winning Best Female, Best Newcomer and Best Produced Album. In 2008 she was nominated for Kora Awards for the Best Southern African Artist.Following on from the success of her debut, Siphokazi released ‘Ndinovuyo’ in 2008, followed by ‘Ethembeni’ in 2010. She has performed at many concerts including the openings of the 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Siphokazi is also an ambassador for One Love campaign that teaches young people to use condoms or abstain from pre-marital sex.Siphokazi has recently attended World Music conferences like SXSW AND MIDEM. Her new album is called SIPHOKAZI and saw it being nominated 7 times across different awards like SAMAS, INGOMA, CROWNS in 2018.
