FIRE MALAKABE: I was initially inspired to pursue a career in music by my deep love and passion for creating and performing music. My musical upbringing was filled with a diverse range of influences. My parents exposed me to various genres and artists, which helped shape my musical palate. I started taking singing lessons at a young age, and later, I joined a community choir where I expressed my talent for singing. I have a variety of musical influences that have shaped my style. Artists like Lebo Mathosa and Mandoza. Every time I listened to their music, I would feel like I can actually make it. Their ability to make music really impacted me. In addition to specified artists, I also find inspiration in the way Semanyane plays his accordion. The melodies and genres he uses have been instrumental in shaping my sound.
CHILLIECHEWER: Interesting that you sang in a choir growing up, does that inform your songwriting process and how do you approach that process?
FIRE MALAKABE: When it comes to the songwriting process, I usually start with a central theme or emotion that I want to convey. From there, I think of the lyrics I would use to convey my emotions. Afterward, I try to explore different melodies and chord progressions that resonate with the message and the lyrics.
CHILLIECHEWER: For someone who does different genres of music, do you have central themes or messages that you focus on when writing songs?
FIRE MALAKABE: In terms of themes or messages in my music, I strive to convey authentic and relatable emotions. I want my listeners to connect with the emotions I'm trying to express and find inspiration in my music.
CHILLIECHEWER: We have established that you are a vocalist, right? What other instruments do you play?
FIRE MALAKABE: I play the accordion.
CHILLIECHEWER: What would you consider to be a turning point in your music career?
FIRE MALAKABE: I consider the turning point in my musical career to be when I released my first album. It was a culmination of months of hard work, and it gave me the confidence to pursue music professionally. The positive feedback and support from listeners and industry professionals were incredibly encouraging and motivated me to continue creating music.
CHILLIECHEWER: There must have been a time throughout your entire musical life a moment that you thought to yourself, "This is it, this is why I do what I do?"
FIRE MALAKABE: One defining moment in my journey so far was performing in Fourisburg at a Traditional event in 2019. Seeing a lot of people singing along to my songs was an indescribable feeling of both validation and gratitude.
CHILLIECHEWER: How do collaborations with other artists impact your creative process? Is there a particular collaboration that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
FIRE MALAKABE: Collaborations with other artists can greatly impact my creative process. They bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, pushing me to explore new sonic territories. I often find that collaborations result in unexpected and exciting musical outcomes. One collaboration that stands out as especially meaningful to me was with a fellow singer-songwriter whose style was different from mine. Our contrasting approaches allowed us to create a truly unique and dynamic piece of music that neither of us would have come up with individually.
CHILLIECHEWER: What challenges have you faced in your music career, and how did you overcome them? How do you perceive your growth as an artist over the years?
FIRE MALAKABE: One of the biggest challenges in my music career has been navigating the industry's competitiveness and constantly evolving landscape. It can be difficult to stand out and get recognition, especially in the crowded digital space. To overcome this, I focused on honing my craft, staying true to my artistic vision, and building a strong online presence through social media and streaming platforms. In terms of growth, I've seen myself evolve both musically and personally. I've become more confident in my abilities as a songwriter and performer, and I've developed a deeper understanding of the emotions I want to convey through my music. I've also learned to embrace experimentation and take risks, allowing my sound to evolve organically.
CHILLIECHEWER: Do you have a favorite album or project that you've worked on? Why? Are there specific songs that hold special meaning for you?
FIRE MALAKABE: While I cherish all the projects I've worked on, there is one album that holds a special place in my heart. It was a concept album that explored a central theme from various perspectives and moods. The process of creating a cohesive narrative and weaving it into the music was incredibly fulfilling, and it pushed me to explore different musical styles and approaches. There are specific songs that hold special meaning for me, usually those that have a personal connection or were inspired by significant moments or emotions in my life. These songs capture a snapshot of who I am and where I was at that point in time.
CHILLIECHEWER: How do you view the current state of the music industry, and what changes have you observed? Any advice for aspiring musicians navigating the industry?
FIRE MALAKABE: The current state of the music industry is both exciting and challenging. On one hand, the digital age has provided unprecedented opportunities for independent musicians to reach a global audience. Streaming platforms and social media can help artists gain exposure without relying on traditional industry gatekeepers. However, with the proliferation of online platforms, it's become harder to stand out and get noticed. It requires constant adaptation and a strong personal brand to cut through the noise. Additionally, the increase in streaming has also raised concerns about fair compensation for artists. For aspiring musicians, my advice would be to focus on creating authentic and unique music, building a supportive community around you, and embracing digital tools to reach your audience directly. Networking, collaborating, and staying informed about industry trends are also crucial for navigating the ever-changing landscape.
CHILLIECHEWER: Can you share any upcoming projects or ventures you're excited about? Where do you see your musical journey taking you in the next few years?
FIRE MALAKABE: I'm incredibly excited about my upcoming album, which explores new sonic territories and pushes the boundaries of my sound. I've been experimenting with different genres and incorporating more electronic elements, which has been an invigorating process. I can't wait to share this new musical chapter with my fans. In the next few years, I see my musical journey expanding internationally, touring different countries, and connecting with audiences from diverse cultures. I also aspire to collaborate with artists from different genres to further broaden my creative horizons and push the boundaries of my sound.
CHILLIECHEWER: How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in your artistic journey? Are there any fan interactions that have left a lasting impression on you?
FIRE MALAKABE: There have been several fan interactions that have left a lasting impression on me. From heartfelt messages expressing how my music has impacted their lives to fans traveling long distances to attend my shows, I am constantly reminded of the power of music to forge meaningful connections. These interactions fuel my passion and remind me why I chose this path. Engaging with my fans is one of the most important and gratifying things ever.
CHILLIECHEWER: Share with us where people can interact with you.
FIRE MALAKABE: On facebook and instagram just click on the text and it will direct you, and youtube where you can see all my performances and music videos
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