EKASI CATCHES UP WITH THE PRAISE SENSATION

EKASI CATCHES UP WITH THE PRAISE SENSATION

 Today Ekasi presents to you the story of a man whose stage presence inspires the spirit of dance, praise and worship. This can be none other than Bulawayo's own Snowy.   While the local gospel industry is associated with good vocals and big egos, Snowy has proven to be way better than that.  He exudes simplicity, dedication and excellence. This is what Snowy has to share with Ekasi and the world.

1. WHO IS SNOWY?
My real name is Siphosenkosi Ncube. That's the real me, the person you can encounter every day. Snowy comes on stage. Actually that stage name originated from the guys at church. They used to joke about how i was snow white and that translated to Snowy. It's quite ironic how that name has outgrown my real name; especially considering the fact that I was pushing it away.  
I am a final year student of Hillside Teacher's College. I'm 26 and in a relationship. 
I was born at Antelope Hospital in Maphisa. I lived in Kezi for the first two years of my life until my dad passed on in 1997. We moved to Bulawayo then. I grew up at Njube.  I went to Helemu Primary and Njube High school. I can fairly say I'm proudly a product of ekasi. 

2.  HOW DID HIS ENVIRONMENT AND UPBRINGING CONTRIBUTE TO WHO HE IS TODAY?
 Just like I mentioned earlier I grew up ekasi. My mom had to be both a vendor and a maid just to send me to school. We used to share a room with mom. However, I never allowed my humble background to define and limit me. I used it as a stepping stone to achieve greater things. Of course there are one or two things you can't change as a child; but when you grow older change those first. This will help you to give your child a better life than the one you had. 

3. WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING PART OF HIS STORY? 
When people see me today they tend to think I had a cheesy upbringing. Little do they know I was raised in a setup where eating bread was taboo.  My mom had to work hard to bring food on the table.  I'm the only one in my family who managed to pass the ordinary level and proceed with my studies. I had to do it so as to set a good example otherwise we would all be labelled as failures in life.

4. EXPERIENCES IN THE ARTS INDUSTRY AS A GOSPEL MUSICIAN
Many people tend to wrongly assume that gospel artists are always funded. It's not true. You have to build your own brand and create good relationships with people.   Despite their financial status relate well with people who will give you constructive criticism. You don't just wake up a star and being celebrated by everyone. You pave your way. I remember how at a certain point I had decided to quit. I thought I would get the empathy from people but to my disappointment they didn't care.  I had to go back to the drawing board and question God about my purpose. 
 I have also encountered financial constraints. Considering the financial situation at home, they couldn't understand why I would invest almost all of my savings in a project that would not bring back the money instantly.
I have also had my gift abused by fake promoters who didn't care about my wellbeing.


5. WHAT INSPIRED HIM TO SING?
 I felt like I can communicate how I feel to God through music.   At the same time I could tell the story of all God has done in my life through music.  
I can influence someone to make a good choice of salvation through music. I'm always deeply touched when I see someone give their life to Christ. Therefore my life inspired me to sing gospel.

6. HIS SUCCESS IN THE INDUSTRY
 I've shared the stage with Sipho Makhabane, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Hle Ntombela, Mkhululi Bhebhe, Sbu Noah, Joyful Praise, Minister Lombard Machinge.
I have featured in the two projects of Harvest Music. Through those projects I was awarded best Breakout Star on Skyz Metro Awards. I've also been nominated for the ZIM Awards too. I've managed to launch my own albums  through my savings with the help of  Bishop Collin Nyathi, Rev Sarah Nyathi and my local pastors. I've also scooped awards in the Harvest house clash of the choirs.

7. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM SNOWY IN THE FUTURE? 
I'll keep recording good music of hope to God for his people. I want to establish Snowy as a music house to support upcoming artists. 
I want to start an organisation dealing with children living with albinism. I will teach them how to catch fish and how to survive in this discriminative world.

8. FINALLY, A WORD OF ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR AMBITIONS

Never allow the environment to define who you want to be. Keep focused and stay in your lane. Never compete. If you feel God has deposited something in your life, seek guidance from older people and those  who have gone before you. Research on the pros and cons of whatever you want to be.