Azi Sakwe’s musical journey began in the Eastern Cape, where she grew up in East London. Surrounded by a family deeply rooted in music, it was no surprise that Azi discovered her passion for singing as early as eight-years-old. With her brother, sister and aunts all possessing impressive vocal talents – her aunts even performing opera internationally – Azi was inspired to pursue music wholeheartedly.
The Role of Family in Shaping Azi Sakwe’s Passion for Music
Her early years were filled with the sounds of melodies and rhythms, often created with the impromptu instruments from her mother’s kitchen. “My siblings and I used to sing and bang my mother’s pots,” Azi recalls. These seemingly playful moments laid the foundation for her future in music, fostering a creative spirit and a love for performance.
As she grew older, her dedication to music deepened. She excelled in her school’s music program, becoming the school soloist and captivating local audiences. Her talent led her to pursue further studies in music, dance, and drama after high school. This refined her skills and broadened her horizons, preparing her for a career that would exceed traditional genre boundaries.
Azi’s journey took a significant turn when she came to Cape Town as part of a performance tour. The city’s vibrant music scene afforded her opportunities to showcase her talents. Her big break came when she was discovered at The Blue Room – a premier live music lounge in Cape Town known for featuring top local talent. It was during one of the venue’s open mic nights – New Talent Tuesdays – that Azi caught the attention of Acoustic Element.
The Blue Room is more than just a venue. It’s a cultural hub where the love for live music thrives. Rooted in jazz and the blues, it showcases musicians across all genres, making it a perfect stage for Azi’s eclectic style. Her soulful voice and unique musical style are influenced by artists like Tyla, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Hudson. Azi’s innovative approach to blending genres such as classical, jazz, opera, afro house and electro beats set her apart in the competitive music scene.
Her collaboration with Acoustic Element marks a new chapter in her musical journey. With Jody Abel on the guitar and Callen Petersen on the violin, Acoustic Element is a well-known duo in the South African music scene, celebrated for their dynamic performances at high-end weddings, corporate events, and international tours. They discovered Azi’s talent and were immediately captivated by her voice.
In a significant milestone for both Azi and Acoustic Element, they are set to open for the legendary Kings of Leon at the Gasteiner Infinity Music Tour in Austria this July. This opportunity will not only showcase their talents to a wider audience but also solidify their positions in the global music industry. Azi expresses her gratitude and excitement, saying, “Acoustic Element, they’re good people – so professional – I’m grateful for the platform and am thankful that I get to perform with them and other bands.”
Wimbo Wakoh: Azi Sakwe’s Collaborative Single with Acoustic Element
To commemorate this occasion, Acoustic Element and Azi will release a collaborative single titled Wimbo Wakoh. Written in Swahili, a language Azi does not speak but felt compelled to use, the song features innovative electro beats and the duo’s distinctive acoustic sound. Azi describes the song as a transformative experience for listeners, saying, “The song is calling you, respond to the song because it can change your life.”
Azi Sakwe’s journey from a kitchen in East London to the stage of an international music festival is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the support of her musical family. As she prepares to captivate audiences in Austria, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring South African artists, proving that with passion and perseverance, dreams can indeed become reality.
For bookings, check out Azi Sakwe’s profile.
