ROSE GOING AFTER HER DREAMS

Mbali Bwembya, a young talented vocalist who is determined to follow her dreams of becoming one of the celebrated singers in Swaziland.
Gcwala was introduced to this young bubbly persona during the Firefly competition that took place a few weeks ago, unfortunately for the young lady she did not make it to the list of those that will be performing on the MTN Bushfire Firefly stage today, however, that for her wasn’t a train smash as she has moved on and already looking forward to the future.
She caught up with Gcwala this past week and this is what she had to say for herself.

Most know you as Rose, because it is your stage name, but who is the person behind Rose? What is our real name? And what are your hopes and dreams?
I always temporarily forget who I am whenever asked that question but I’d like to think I’m timid and shy. At the very same time outspoken and quite a happy girl, I also tend to have a mouth on me. My dreams are really simple I want to be an accomplished entrepreneur and also one of the biggest entertainers out of Africa. I have this vision in my head where I can really accomplish what I’m striving for and eventually take it to all the parts of the world because why limit myself? There are loads of ideas I have to offer and I think the dream would be more than beneficial to myself and everyone else.

How did you get into music?
It was really awkward how I got into music but I always had a knack for it but I did it when I had the idea of recording a demo “Far Gone” then sending it to a record label. From there I imagined I’d be a big star cause I’d have help, but when they never replied I was slightly crushed but I figured “Why not keep going on and see where I end up.” Taking the risk really did pay off because my fondness for the craft is utmost.

What are your ambitions?
My ambitions are really some of my best kept secrets but I guess everyone will know now. I want to be a well rounded artist, who is able to captivate any audiences of various sizes and always deliver a well versed show whenever necessary-no more half baked work. However, my number one aspiration is to be the first Female African headliner at the Coachella festival.

What have been your challenges getting into the music industry?
There are so many bumps in the road and it’s truly unbelievable how many things can get in the way of your aim. For example, I often struggle with the technical side of my vocals and it’s an ongoing process especially if I want to be at the level I see myself being at. There are also factors like being able to afford studio time and finding decent studios. There’s also a lot of criticism that comes with this. Some of it is unwanted and can really sting but it’s all a part of it and will eventually lead to one growing a thick skin. Also the aspect of being a fully endowed entertainer, for me to get better I’ll need more practice and shows and those things never come easy because there aren’t enough platforms for young and undiscovered talents.

How do you deal with these challenges?
Always seeking a second opinion, researching and practice can never fail you. With all these problems, there’s always a solution-how I struggled with my vocals and the technicality of things, I sought out a vocal coach and the improvements are phenomenal-simple things can assist one in growing and really bettering themselves for their craft. Conquering one’s problems takes effort and is downright stressful. I can’t say I’ve fully sorted everything out and on my way to the next level of things but what I’ve discovered is no one can do this on their own. You either have a team or it can be you and somebody else but never alone. It will take a while but it might be the only way.

How did you get to join the Firefly competition?
 It was actually by chance and one of my mate’s recommending I join in,otherwise I would have never submitted my music. I’m lucky enough to have people that believe in the craft and in me as a musician. That little push is all I can say made me enter the competition. And honestly I’m quite appreciative of it. It was a beautiful platform for an artist like me to be able to introduce myself and get people to slowly know me.

Did you think you would make it to the top three?
I didn’t really think I would, It was such a gamble but because I never exactly believed in myself as much as I should’ve or practiced enough. I didn’t imagine it happening. I was just thankful I made it into the top 10. The platform was more than enough all I can do is push myself from there and go further than I have.

How has been people’s reaction towards your performance that day?
I haven’t really seen or heard much concerning people’s reactions. However, people who reacted just congratulated me on making it that far. Also due to the fact that I was silent after the entire competition, there wasn’t much hype about it.

It was one of the events that introduced you to a lot of people, how did you prepare for it?
 They were a lot of late nights and straining my voice but when we come to the bottom of it I just practiced with the minimum of time that I had. I did what I could.

How then did you get to decide on which songs you would perform on the day?
When it came to making a decision I just thought of what would show my vocal ability and create this ambient vibe. Nonetheless I wanted an element of youthfulness and a fun vibe for everyone. That was my main goal.

What are your plans for the rest of the year and the rest of your life?
For this year the plan is more music, more music and more music. I just really want to get my name out there and do big things. Make myself known and make a statement or two.My future plans are to start building my empire while I’m young. I also plan on starting school in spring. I’m looking forward to that. My plans are to leave a mark and be that girl that came through and enabled changed and diversity. We’re all different, I just hope to bring my different and hope it’s accepted.

Who inspires you in your line of career?
No one specifically because everyone brings something different to the table and all those unique traits and varying abilities are nice to see. Focusing on that one person might not help me grow as an individual where as looking towards different people, who aren’t all doing the same thing would diversify my outlook on anything I plan on doing. I don’t have particular people that inspire me but I would say the environment that surrounds me has an influence in what I’m striving to achieve. Seeing success and being around it from the get go is motivating. Little things like that fuel me and also it provides that push we all look for at some point in our lives. Not to neglect the notion of possibly attaining the title of being a virtuoso and most influential entertainer, songwriter and overall artist really drives me towards being the person I envision myself to be.

A message to the youth that are also looking at being musicians?
Your individuality is important, always keep that and always refer to it when you feel lost. Listen when spoken to and really process what people say, however, if you feel different about other’s opinions speak out.Keep hustling for what you believe in. It’ll pay off in the end. Always do what feels right to you even if people don’t agree with you.

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