Releasing her sophomore album during a pandemic and under lockdown wasn't something that singer, songwriter and performer Zoë Modiga had planned. But, she says, it feels like her new work belongs to this moment and it's the perfect time to have this conversation.
Her critically acclaimed album Inganekwane, which translates as "Zulu fairy tale", was released in June last year when SA was under lockdown. Because of this, she's been unable to do a traditional album rollout, which usually includes promos and tours.
The album centres around the themes of introspection and identity. It's a luxurious- sounding collection of songs that follows her 2017 debut, Yellow the Novel.
"There were a lot of delays releasing the album. It was supposed to launch at the start of the year, but the date kept being moved. We were getting ready to do a South African tour which was obviously cancelled," says Modiga.
"I'm an independent artist, so I don't have the same resources signed artists might have. It's been interesting to have to find alternative ways to roll out the album and do justice to its story and my body of work. I've used word of mouth as the main push in publicising the music. It means more people interact with it."
The focus has been on connecting with fans on social media and doing virtual performances and shows at smaller venues. The KwaZulu-Natal-born artist can't travel with her full band at the moment, but this hasn't stopped her from giving fans a memorable experience whenever she gets on stage.
"The first time we introduced music from this album was at Afropunk in 2019. That was the last performance with the entire band. We played a song called Lengoma, which means 'this is our song, this is our healing'. It's the single for the album. It felt like the whole band was in a trance - the mood was celebratory," she says. "It felt amazing to see the audience react to it and to feel connected to my fans.
"Then lockdown happened and our plans to start touring overseas were halted. Banda Banda, who's an amazing musician and the producer of the album, and I put together a series called 'An Intimate Story With ...'"
The Sama-nominated artist adds that they have been trying to comply with pandemic protocols while still trying to move around a little.
"We're looking at the big picture to see how we can evolve as performers instead of getting caught up in the sadness of what we've had to give up. We're taking it one day at a time. If the audience is happy and moved, then I'm happy," says Modiga.
"We've had to keep things minimal. This has enabled audiences to enjoy the power of the story and the music, which are able to stand alone. It brings the power of the message into the foreground. The music is enjoyable, it's intimate, it's unforgettable."
Modiga feels let down by the government's failure to support artists during this time.
"Venues are closing down all over the show. There's a complete disregard from the government — it's as simple as that. We can try and walk on eggshells about it, but it is what it is. We've come to the point where artists and performers aren't able to feed their families.
"Imagine households run by people in the entertainment industry. People in the art world have families to take care of. What does that look like right now? They are the breadwinners of their families and are not able to make a living."
Venues are closing down all over the show. There's a complete disregard from the government — it's as simple as that
— Singer Zoë Modiga
She's also voiced her support for the #IAmForTheArts organisation
. The organisation, led by Sibongile Mngoma, is taking the department to task over mismanaged funds that were supposed to go to artists.
In addition, she's led an occupation of the National Arts Council offices in Johannesburg in protest.
Modiga feels that because of the pandemic, South Africans aren't aware of the many talented artists our country is producing.
"I'd like to say to artists, especially independent artists, be clear about your peace of mind. Being able to balance the scales of your inner being is more important than producing work right now.
"Focus on your inner peace, how you feel. Make sure that it brings you closer to your creativity so that you're able to function and tell a beautiful story. Putting yourself under pressure under the circumstances isn't sustainable. A lot of stories are still being written. Maybe now is a time to be silent and observe."
• Modiga will be performing with Banda Banda on April 29 at The Chairman in Durban. Tickets cost R250 from Quicket.
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