AWARD-WINNING Isicathamiya gospel group, Indosakusa - The Morning Star group leader Oscar Siziba says he was once a gardener but a prophecy in 2000 at Zion church in Enqameni, Mapane in Gwanda foresaw that he will become a renowned musician who will touch the hearts of the people.
In 2001, when he was worshiping God at a church called Jerusalem, he met Costa Lungisani Ncube and on May 7, 2002, they together formed a group called lmpumelelo Shining Stars which later rebranded to lndosakusa The Morning Star.
Siziba, who is also a founder of Thobela Arts Foundation, caught up with Standard Style and spoke about his life outside the showbiz industry and other matters.
How it started
“I am originally known as Oscar Khutshwekhaya Siziba born and raised at Enqameni, Mapane in Gwanda under Chief Mathema. My parents are John Mbirijo Siziba and Olitha Tshalibe. l wasn't born a musician. When l finished my O’ Level in 1998, I went straight to Bulawayo to work as a gardener in Bellevue for a year.
“In 2000, l went back to my home village and when l was attending a Zion Church service, I was prophesied on my music career at church. I was told that l will be a renowned musician who will touch the hearts of the people.”
“After that they prayed for me and annointed me with holy oil. Then in 2001 May 7, l then started my music career with my current group lndosakusa The Morning Star which was once called lmpumelelo Shining Stars.
Inspiration
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“God is my first inspiration….When I grew up, my father used to buy Ladysmith Black Mambazo's records and later listened to Black Umfolosi and other groups so l loved the kind of melody. I loved the melody, harmony and message on it and l was inspired.”
Musical journey and gongs “Since 2001 l have been composing the songs for lndosakusa The Morning Star. Our first album was recorded in 2001 entitled Emthonjeni and up to date we have released 12 albums.
“We have been nominated several times national and internationally. We have won about nine awards. We have attended, showcased our talent local and internationally.”
“Our music is recognised mostly in Zimbabwe and South Africa being played in radio and television station.”
Why Imbube genre?
“It’s Imbube genre because it is our mother genre, our culture, our language and being an internationally recognised music genre which is classic all kinds of people black, white, kalate etc.
“One can listen to our music because it has harmony in it. I chose to sing it because it mainly speaks about Ubuntu bethu, invelaphi yethu (our history) and lapho esiyakhona (where we heading). Imbube music carries information, education, preaching and entertainment.”
Midas touch
“The secret behind my success is God "Seek first the Kingdom of God” . Have a vision and focus. l know my calling, commission and going there for doing what God had sent me as Oscar Siziba.”
“All the awards we got we got them through hard work, producing quality products. Ungenza okuhle konke okuhle kuzokulandela and praying to God to allow His Holy Spirit to lead me and the group.”
Outside showbiz industry
“l run a shop, which does typing services and cosmetics. l also have an organisation named by my name called Thobela Arts Foundation that focuses on promoting local creative arts.”
Ups and downs
“l have faced a lot of challenges, these include financial problems, group members coming and leaving the group, spiritual warfares, short of sponsors and partners ..”
Moments at Indosakusa The Morning Star
“l feel l have to give an honour to lndosakusa The Morning Star members who are still with me today. They stood a taste of time, persevered, worked together in harmony.
"What l can say is that they are more than my biological brothers now.
“We spend time together almost in everyday life. So, l salute them a lot because we went through fires, ups and downs. They didn't give up even though others did. l give them their flowers. l respect and love them they are the ones who make this vision a success.”
Life lesson
“God's time is the best! Love them all but don't trust them again always remember where you come from, where you are and where are heading to.”
