NomaJerusalema, the Makhathini matriarch finally realizes her dream of releasing her debut album

By CityLife Arts Writer

After decades of putting her dream of releasing her first solo album on ice, to support her children ‘s dreams, Joli Makhathini aka NomaJerusalema has finally released a solo album. 

 The 58-year-old widow who is the mother of the internationally acclaimed jazz pianist, Nduduzo Makhathini, recently released her traditional contemporary album. 

 Aptly dubbed Ngelinye Ilanga the 9-tracked album is a testimony of true selflessness. It also stands as proof that holding on to your dreams pays off. 

 The journey of this 90s star from Pietermaritzburg is inspirational. NomaJerusalema’s music path was clear from a very young age. Growing up, she used to sing at a Zion church choir, something that inspired her to form a group called Ekuthuleni. She recruited a guitarist to join the group to make them sound unique, something that worked like a charm for the group as they became a hit in the province. 

 Thinking back, she says the quest to break into the music industry pushed her to take all kinds of risks. 

 “I remember traveling to Joburg from Pietermaritzburg to the SABC offices to try and sell my music. In those days it was not easy like today. All I wanted was to get a break in the industry. I knew my music had a powerful message but things didn’t work out as I expected and I went back home,”says Nomajerusalema. 

 This did not kill her dream. Years later, when she got married and had kids she formed a group called Joli and Joy where they shared stages with the big stars of those days including Rebbeca Malope, Kholeka, and the late Vuyo Mokoena. 

In 1999 the group recorded their first album which was a hit in KZN. “My then-teenage son, Nduduzo Makhathini, was playing for my band. This is where he also cut his teeth in the industry. He later went to study music, a decision I was uncomfortable with because of all the ills I saw and experienced in the industry,” she recalls. 

 She reveals that her journey in the industry was met with a lot of challenges including being cheated by the big boys of the music industry at that time. 

 ” I went through a lot and experienced the bad side of the music industry but I never gave up. I see all the woes I experienced as a blessing as they inspired the album in ways unimaginable,” she explains. 

 To those who have a dream of breaking through the industry but facing hurdles, NomaJerusalema says they should never give up. ” Even at your old age, you can still fulfill your dreams. For years I told my kids that one day my dream of releasing a solo album will be realized and it is happening. Learn to wait and know that everything has its own time. Never give up on your dreams,” says the mother of four children and 10 grandchildren.

 She adds that, unlike her generation, this generation of artists is blessed with many platforms that can aid them to break into the industry. 

 Their fate no longer lies in the hands of a few greedy and exploitative big guns. They are blessed with so many options including streaming platforms and social media.” 

.Ngelinye Ilanga by Nomajerusalema is now out on all digital platforms.