Siyasanga Kambi is a singer-songwriter and creative producer. She has basically been pursuing the entertainment industry from both behind and in front on the camera. Ms. Siyasanga spent the first 10 years of her career focused on film and television production. During lock down, she took the bold step of putting her own music and talent out there.
Siyasanga Kambi As Cover Interview Feature – TheCelebrity.Online January 2023 Edition
Childhood to Adulthood – How was the transition from your childhood into adulthood/teenage and what good and bad things you remember?
Siyasanga Kambi: Oh my goodness. What a loaded question. I was raised by a single mother. My dad left when I was 7 years old. Growing up I often used to think how gracious God has been to have chosen to remove him from us. That was probably my first account of how something painful can be meant for your good. As an adult, that same reality teaches something different. I used to view my father purely from the choices he made that affected us negatively.
As an adult, I see him as human. I remember his humor, his sarcasm and his intelligence and his ability to turn just about anything into a joke. I think he’s a fascinating being in his own way. The same with my mother. I used to place her on this untouchable pedestal. But as I’ve grown I’ve had to acknowledge her weaknesses because I see some of those traits in myself sometimes. And so, if I want to do better, I would have to acknowledge that they’re there.
That has been the nature of my transition in every area of my life, family, spiritual journey, love life, career, philanthropy etc. I’ve had to unlearn whatever utopian ideals I have, embrace the “Ying and Yang” of life in order to navigate it better. My saving grace I believe is that I gave my life to Christ at a very young age, 9 years old to be exact. So by virtue of that, with the Holy Spirit as my helper, I’ve always had access to a different kind of wisdom.
Struggle – What hardships you faced during your life?
Siyasanga Kambi: I’ve faced many hardships. I’ve already mentioned the first, which now I realize was probably what started the domino effect of what followed. Being raised by a woman in a household of only strong, loving women, made me familiar and comfortable with the way women love, communicate and support.
I assumed that’s how the world was. And so, interacting with men was very difficult for me. I was way more trusting than what I should’ve been (still am). I ended up being sexually assaulted at age 16 by a guy I trying to let down gently. I’ve often been caught up in relationships where I was undervalued and sometimes even used.
I didn’t know that human beings were capable of constantly taking love with no intention of giving it back. And so I started believing that there must be something wrong with me. I struggled with that throughout my 20s. Now, I constantly have to make the hard and unnatural decision of setting boundaries and letting people go even if I don’t want to, for the sake of my own well-being.
Things people usually don’t know?
Siyasanga Kambi:
- I love dancing, even though I’m not that great at it.
- Once in a while I enjoy good wine moderatly with an amazing meal and great company but I don’t drink for sport.
- I enjoy ‘deep meaningful conversations’ but count me in on a cheesy, girly movie any day. Once you really get to know me, I can be the dumbest smart person you know.
- I really am nice, it’s not pretend.
- When I’m trying to get a point across I can come across as really cold. I don’t know why that is but I promise you I’m not mad.
What make you different from your competitors in the industry and life?
Siyasanga Kambi: I don’t exalt fame and a lavish lifestyle which is what the industry often represents. I do what I do because I’m gifted and I genuinely believe in the entrepreneural potential of the industry, even for underdeveloped communities, if we could only place more value on the work more than the glits and glam.
What are the major Upcoming Events & Unforgettable Moments or products/services that you want to promote/inform our readers about?
Siyasanga Kambi:
- Well, I’ve started making accessories from sling bags to watches, belts and earrings and I’m learning how to make hats more sophisticated bags.
- I’m almost done with my debut album. I don’t have dates yet because it’s self funded but it’ll most definitely come out this year.
- And I’m knocking on every festival director’s door, anywhere in the world. I’m planning to do as many live performances as possible this year.
What ‘Expert Advice’ you want to share with the readers about professional and social field of life?
Siyasanga Kambi: Whatever it is that you desire, whether personal or professional, DO THE WORK, it’s hard, it’s uncomfortable and sometimes you’ll fail, sometimes you’ll make the wrong call but don’t stop doing the work and work from a place of conviction. Follow your conviction, not what you think will make sense to people.
Your social media links?
Siyasanga Kambi: On social media I am @officialseermusic
R. Harwood is the writer and editor in chief of TheCelebrity.Online – Read more on our About Us page.