At the recent 5th Annual Eastern Cape Music Awards, the Security-Guard walked away with no less than three trophies – the only contestant that bagged that number of wins.
Western Cape, South Africa (16 April 2021) – You might have driven past him on the streets of the southern suburbs. Armed in his protective uniform, Landile Sokweba looks after the people of Claremont and surrounds them every day. But did you know that this armed response officer is also an award-winning singing sensation?
Sokweba (35) has been with Fidelity ADT for the past four years, but his love of music stretches back much further.
“I grew up in Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape. I remember singing for the boys when they go to the mountains. I was always the one that would start the singing or would lead it, and I also remember my time in the school choir where I was leading it at the age of twelve.”
But when he arrived in Cape Town, he was introduced to a much more organised version of music.
“I came across lots of men that were singing where I lived initially, and I decided to join them, even becoming a manager for some of them.”
Ask him what his favourite type of music is, and you notice a very broad smile creep across his face.
“You know, it really depends on the song that is playing. There are lots of jazz and gospel songs I enjoy, but my first love is with traditional music such as Maskandi, which is also the type of music that I perform,” he explains.
At the recent 5th Annual Eastern Cape Music Awards, Sokweba walked away with no less than three trophies – the only contestant that bagged that number of wins. He won Best Maskandi artist, Artist of the Year, and Most Voted Artist, performing under the stage name of Xhentsakumisiwe.
“I focus most of my attention on my job, which is armed response, but I enjoy relaxing in my spare time with music. I regularly also get hired by people along with four of my friends who dance while I sing, and we really enjoy entertaining people,” says Sokweba.
His big target for the rest of 2021, he adds, is preparing for a national music competition in September.
“The South African Traditional Music Awards is a big one for anyone involved in traditional music, and I am working hard to be ready for it.”
By all accounts, there is a long and prosperous music career waiting for this singing sensation. You can follow his career by looking for Xhentsakumisiwe on social media.
You watch his performance here:
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