Carnival of Soul

Skandi Soul melts your heart with his latest release.

The mellow sounds of Khethile, which features S’Villa of Ambitiouz Entertainment, struck a chord with romantics countrywide as it hit Mzansi trends list on Twitter.

The 34-year-old singer, songwriter and bass player, whose real name is Siphelo Phungula, describes his song as a “romantic Maskandi jam infused with Afro-pop”.

“Khethile is a love song about a young woman I fancied when growing up in KZN,” he tells Drum.

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As a teen living in Umzimkhulu, he says he fell for a young woman called Khethile but never got a chance to show his affection.

“So, the song is about how I would try to reach out to her but she was never interested. I would walk a long distance just to see her, but she would reject me,” he says. 

Since the release of the single, the real Khethile has heard the song and was blown away by the gesture.

“That’s all in the past now, but she likes the song,” Skandi Soul assures us. “All my music is based on my life experiences and those around me. I always try to be real and authentic and I write so people can relate.”

The talented muso kicked off his career as a back-up singer for artists Nokwazi Dlamini, Nomhle Nongogo and Tosh. 

But the origins of his music can be traced back to his childhood. He grew up listening to Maskandi music legend

“UBaba’ Mfaz’Omnyama was like my vocal teacher when it comes to pitching up, voice projection, and moulding the voice,” he says. “Once I realised I could sing, I started copying some of his singing styles.”

Although he was a musically gifted child, Skandi Soul says wanted to enhance his talent with further education and, after Grade 12, he went on to study Jazz at Central Johannesburg College.

“But like most kids, I was forced to drop out because I couldn’t pay my fees.”

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Despite the financial constraints, he never stopped believing in his dream and his hard work earned him a job as a music director at the East Rand Christian Centre Church. 

“All I ever wanted to do was to sing and make music, so giving up was never an option.”

worked with the likes of Golden Beats (Afrotainment), DJ Tumza, MFR Souls and Mr Vince. 

“There are a lot more people I hope to work with in the future, but for now I’m building a foundation so I can become known as a humble, talented artist who is versatile.”