Shanky Interview
Shanky is a Zimbabwean singer-songwriter. She started singing at the age of 5 mainly in church and school. She started her professional singing career in 2012. Her music is mainly influenced by RnB and dancehall, but she likes to touch on other genres as well as she believes different rhythms affect us in diverse ways at various points of our lives. Check out her interview below
You started singing at the tender age of 5 in a children’s choir. Was this the beginning of your budding career?
In a way it was because that was when I fell in love with music. From there I went on to sing in school competitions, at weddings and various little events.
What inspired you to pursue music?
My passion for it! It’s something that I always naturally enjoyed doing. When you have a passion for something it will never seem like hard work or too much effort. I sing every day. It’s soul food, the bit that adds flavour to everyday life.
When did you get your first break?
My first break I would say was me singing at the 2012 Zimbabwe cup clash in the UK. This was the first time I had ever performed my own songs on stage. The performance went down really well and I have never looked back since.
What message do you aim to communicate through your music?
I make music that I feel is uplifting and fun to dance to. I like to write songs that I think people can relate to as well. Most of my songs are about falling in love, which I am sure most of us have done.
Are you working on a new album? If so please share more.
I am currently working on my debut album. I am hoping to release it later on this year if all goes well. I have collaborated with quite a few artists for it as well, some of whom are South African, and so I hope you guys will see a few names in there that you recognise. I will be releasing a few singles here and there just to give a hint of what’s to come, so keep an eye out for them.
Your music is currently played on online radio stations all over the UK and Africa what do you attribute this success to?
I’m overwhelmed by the support that I have received to get this stage. There is so much talent out there but it’s difficult to get anywhere without support so I’d like to give a nod to my friends and family who were my first fans. Then to those who gave my music a chance and listened at the shows I’ve done and on the radio stations. All the DJs, promoters and artists I have worked with to this day have just been amazing. I hope this kind of unity and encouragement will continue so we can put Africa on the map.
In 2012 you won the ZIMAAwards Female Artist of the Year is it something you anticipated?
Not at all, I was pleasantly surprised! It was such an honour. That was my first ever music award so I was very excited. I still cannot believe I got that title after being on the scene for such a short time, but it just meant that all the hard work paid off.
As a young female artist what were some of the challenges you faced pursuing a career in the music industry?
The main problem any artist faces is getting their music to be played, be it on radio or in clubs. If people don’t know who you are and what you are about, it is very hard to spark that interest at the beginning. I didn’t expect it to happen over night, but I got a good response very quickly and had DJs asking to get access to my music so I was every lucky.
As a Zimbabwean living in the UK .How different is your life from the one you lived back in Zim what do you miss?
I definitely miss Zimbabwe. There is no place like home. I spent most of my life there and I have so many pleasant memories of Zimbabwe. I still have family there who I miss the most. But another thing I miss is the way of life. Life is much slower there, there is no rush. We all have time for one another and neighbours know each other. And I miss the BBQs/ braais/ gochi-gochi and big family gatherings!
What does it mean to be a young African woman in the 21st century to you?
Life is very different for young women nowadays as compared to the olden days. Young woman definitely have more opportunities career-wise. There is a bit more equality and empowerment for women which I think is great. It is very hard being a woman, although we make it looks easy. The idea is to remember one’s self-worth and that anything is possible. Hard work pays off eventually.
If you were to leave a legacy to your Zimbabwean peers what would it be?
That you can make your dreams come true and that your future is in your hands. I hope to get involved with more charity work in the future to help children who perhaps do not have anyone to support them because I believe it is important to bring out the best in young people as they are the future. Everyone deserves the opportunity to have basic things like education in order to make something of themselves. If it were up to me I would make education free all over the world!
Are you involved in any community work? If so please share.
Yes I have been involved in charity work to help raise money for children in African Countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe. I have done various charity events like fashion shows and concerts. I also sang at a CAFOD event held in my local community. I am also involved in a charity organisation that takes disabled and underprivileged children on a Pilgrimage to Lourdes around Easter time. I love doing all these things as I believe it is always important to help other people if you are in a position to do so.
What would you like to change about Africa today?
The main thing for me is providing education and distributing food to the underprivileged. I think those are the basic things that every human being should have the right to have. I would also like to return self-belief in the African people. Africa is made up of very wealthy countries; rich in history, art, culture and natural resources. We need to appreciate this beauty more.
Who do you look up to in Zimbabwe and the UK?
There is a Zimbabwean lady who I have been following over the past year after her story touched me deeply. Her name is Betty Makoni. She is all about empowering women and young girls. She is very inspiring.
What was the most inspiration book you read?
I have recently read, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo. It’s a great, easy read. This book has taught me to live simply, smile and to take the time to appreciate what is around us and the people around us. It touches on positivity, generosity and just some of what humanity has lost which can be regained and make life better for all.
What do you do for fun?
I love dancing, so when I can I go to salsa bars in London, they are so much fun! If I’m not doing that I’m in the studio recording music or performing live somewhere.
Who is your celebrity crush in Zim?
That’s a hard one! There are too many good-looking celebrities to choose from!
As a young successful artist what message would you like to give to the youth particularly those struggling to progress with their lives?
Never give up, don’t ever wait for someone to make your dreams come true. Your future is in you hands. Persevere and do you best, never give up, do that and you are on the road to success.
How can your fans connect with you?
Follow me on twitter @shankymusic
Or like my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shankymusic
