Zamajobe received four nominations for SAMA 2005 in the categories; BEST NEWCOMER, BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM, BEST JOINT COMPOSITION (together with Erik Pilani), and BEST ENGINEER (Robin Kohl/Jazzworx) for the album NDAWO YAMI.
First up is her astonishingly beautiful voice, which captivates with ease, and leaves listeners smitten in its powerful wake. Zamajobe has never been one for the strident, at times overbearing vocals beloved by so many of today’s stars: as NDAWO YAMI more than reveals, Zamajobe uses her voice at times sparingly, often with a slightly breathless edge, and always plump with just enough emotion to talk directly into the heart of anyone in hearing range.
Next is Zamajobe’s performing ability and her ability to dominate a stage with the ease of an individual born to entertain. Her way with a song on a live stage was first evident on 2003’s Idols contest where the singer made it into the Top 10 and, during her performances, earned a devoted network of fans drawn to Zamajobe’s magic.
And then there is Zamajobe’s song writing gift, which is on excellent display throughout the album. In many ways, it’s this that she’s most elated about:
“I have been singing and performing for years now,” she says, “but I’ve never been able to showcase my song writing ability before now which makes the album such an important project in my life.”
Recorded at the Jazzworx Studio in Randburg, Gauteng, Zama’s debut release draws together her singing, performing and song writing gifts into one immensely lovable package that will find a place with an ever-expanding base of quality music lovers throughout the country who will respond with enthusiasm to Zamajobe’s astonishingly sophisticated sound that yet always remains grounded in African soil.
Zamajobe is driven to create original music that is a true reflection of who she is and where she is at – it is a process of constant evolution and NDAWO YAMI is an invitation to explore just that.
Zama cites renowned performer and preacher, Pastor Benjamin Dube as a significant influence on her move into music.
“I joined Pastor Benjamin’s church when I was eight and it wasn’t long after that, that I sang for the Church and Pastor Benjamin asked me to join the choir, where I remained for a long time.”
In Vosloorsrus at the time, undoubtedly, through her involvement in the Church as well as her mother’s love for the genre, Gospel music has exerted a powerful influence on Zama (heard in the most subtle ways on her debut) – and as a teenager there were other forms of music that crept into her life.
“My Dad was very open to all forms of music and so I grew up listening to funk, and jazz and many others.”
Zama says it “took guts” to enter Idols. “I never thought I would win but just entering took a great deal of guts! And even though I didn’t take the first spot, it gave me the platform to be noticed.”
Indeed. Idols judge Dave Thompson, Marketing and A&R Director of BMG Africa noticed Zama’s talent, early on – and gave her the chance to spend several months working in the BMG Demo Studios, laying down the guitar and vocals of the original songs now included on her debut release. Zama says she’s grateful for the opportunity to hone her song writing skills: “I thought that I could write before going into the demo studio and then going into Jazzworx,” she says. “But the months of working on the songs, crafting them into real things whilst in studio, has allowed me to really grow.”
Working with Zama on her album is another newcomer to the South African scene, guitarist Eric Pilani whose obvious gift for his instrument of choice adds immeasurably to NDAWO YAMI, providing the thread that joins all 12-tracks together.
“I would sing something to Eric and he would transfer it to the guitar, and we would expand the song from there. Even though I have been playing the guitar for a few years, having Eric, who is so experienced, as my collaborator, meant the process just flowed and I think we have come up with songs that people will love.”
With Erik Pilani producing with the assistance of the Jazzworx team, and Zama’s creative input, the album is fresh and engaging - moving expertly between a broad swathe of genres - jazz, folk, traditional, Latino even, pop and, in moments, adult contemporary. The songs are diverse with the likes of “Ye Wena Sani” (a township-lingo driven, rootsy piece) sitting comfortably alongside “Wondering”, featuring gentle guitar work and breathy vocals.
And these are just some of the most captivating tracks on an album that is never short on musical magic. “Ndawo Yami” is another exquisite offering: a track that showcases Zama’s highly evocative voice, gently moving across a musical bed that gradually adds layer after layer of instrumentation to create a song of pure beauty. “Come With Me” is yet another song that benefits from a restrained production hand, always allowing Zama’s lyrics to pull the listener in, again and again, on the wings of the artist’s delicately restrained voice.
But NDAWO YAMI also benefits from a variety of musical moods. “Taxi Ride” is underpinned by a Latino bedrock that moves Zama’s voice into different territory; a place where it’s upbeat and rhythmical in a way that adds a bold new dimension to the song. “African Girl” is similarly uplifting, flowing with ease in song that pays positive homage to African girls throughout the continent, in all their beauty and intelligence.
“Nothing compares to this experience,” Zama says of creating NDAWO YAMI. “I’ve been singing for Pastor Benjamin for a long time and even provided vocals for a group that Eric had, performing at Kilimanjaro in Joburg and other places, and there was the whole Idols experience. But crafting an album that speaks totally of who I am is just such a joy that I truly hope everyone out there is going to feel it as much as I do.”
Magic
Zamajobe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How it feels to be loved
How it feels to be me
How it feels to be free
I wanna know
How it feels to be loved
How it feels to be me
Give me the magic
Magic
Magic
Magic
Do you wanna know
How it feels to live life
How it feels to just smile
How it feels to be free
Do you wanna know
How it feels to live life
How it feels to just smile
How it feels to be free
Give me the magic (show it to me)
Magic (give it to me)
Magic (show it)
Magic (give it to me)
You have the key to your present door
Open it wide and feel the freedom
See what life is all about, love long time
It's about (give me life)
Give me the magic, (show me, show me)
Magic, magic, magic
Magic
Magic (give it to me)
Magic (show it to me, give it to me)
Magic (I wanna know, I wanna know)
Magic (show it to me, give it to me)
Magic (I wanna know, I wanna know)
Show it to me (Show it to me)
Give it to me (Give it to me)
I wanna know, I wanna know (I wanna know, I wanna know)
Show it to me (show it to me)
Give it to me (give it to me)
I wanna know, I wanna know (I wanna know, I wanna know)
Show it to me (show it to me)
Give it to me (give it to me)
I wanna know, I wanna know (I wanna know, I wanna know)
Show it to me (show it to me)
Give it to me (give it to me)
I wanna know, I wanna know (I wanna know, I wanna know)
The lyrics of Zamajobe's song "Magic" revolve around a desire to experience the feeling of love, self-acceptance, and freedom. The repetition of "I wanna know" and "give me the magic" shows the singer's yearning to understand and experience these emotions. The lyrics also suggest that the individual holds the key to their present and can open the door to experience freedom and love.
The lyrics can be seen as a call to action for listeners to embrace themselves and their lives fully. The line, "See what life is all about, love long time, It's about (give me life)", encourages the audience to view life as an opportunity for love, growth and personal fulfilment. The use of the word "magic" throughout the song, acts as a metaphor for the transformative power of love and self-belief.
Overall, the lyrics of "Magic" are a powerful and emotive expression of the human desire to be loved, accepted and free. The repetition of key phrases, such as "I wanna know" and "give me the magic", conveys a sense of urgency and longing for these experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna know
I desire to gain knowledge
How it feels to be loved
I want to experience the feeling of being loved
How it feels to be me
I want to understand and embrace my identity
How it feels to be free
I want to experience the feeling of being liberated
Give me the magic
Grant me the secret to the feeling I'm seeking
Magic
The feeling of love, identity, and freedom that I seek
Do you wanna know
Do you desire to gain knowledge
How it feels to live life
Are you curious about the sensation of truly living
How it feels to just smile
Are you curious about the sensation of pure joy
You have the key to your present door
You possess the ability to unlock the potential in your present situation
Open it wide and feel the freedom
Embrace your potential and feel the sensation of liberation
See what life is all about, love long time
Experience the essence of life through long-lasting love
It's about (give me life)
The core of life is the feeling of being truly alive
Show it to me
Reveal the feeling of love, identity, and freedom to me
Give it to me
Share the secret to the feeling I'm seeking with me
I wanna know, I wanna know
I desire to gain knowledge
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERIC PILANI, ZAMAJOBE SITHOLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SIPHO SETHU
2022 this song still gives me good feels. Holds such a powerful message "You have the key to your present door, open it wide and feel the freedom. I see what life is all about- LOVE, no doubt, it's about MAGIC" Our minds are such powerful tools...when we let go of doubt and limiting self-belief, we allow ourselves to live and give and experience love and that's when life feels like MAGIC. If you've read this far I Love You!
Kwanele Makama
👌👌👌🥰
Rebaone Gladness
Love you you too! Stay blessed ❤️
Refi Khums
I love you too😘
Rising Sun 82
And when we come, we come super unique. Shout out to my South African brother's and sister all over the world. Don't forget we a special nation on this globe❤🇿🇦
gontse gontse
I live her songs this is what I call classical soothing music 😊😊
Siyanda Dindi
Our own South African music 🔥🔥👌🙌 I’m proud to be a South African...2019 who’s here with me? Still a banger 💯💯
Roystan Kemp
loadshedding, I was so furious yesterday. I was not proud at all
Khutjo Dimo
2023
Tshego Sello
If you still listening to this song, you are a legend and you know music. One of my all time favorite songs, its more than ten years since it was released. But it still hits me hard.
#ZamajobeMagic