Swiringene - Iggy About the Artist: I consider music to be love. It is best experienced when shared. I would like my music to entertain, to raise awareness about certain issues which are close to my heart (such as abuse against women and children), to inspire, to encourage, and to affirm compassion. Music description: Swiringene by Iggy has an afro-pop / world sound from the heart of South African life, relaying the stories of nostalgia, strength and childhood Iggy Official Biography Born in Newington, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Iggy began singing in church at the age of 10. She continued when her family moved to Witbank (now Emalahleni) a year later. At 17, she was recruited to join the gospel group Voices of Praise, for which she later wrote songs before becoming its music director. In 2002, Iggy move to Johannesburg to pursue a career in the arts. After enrolling with Wits University with majors in classical voice, she appeared in university productions including A Clock Work Orange, and the musical Once on this Island. Though singing remains Iggy’s main passion, she has explored her musical gifts through other artistic avenues. Under the directorship of Pedro Espi Sancez she worked with the Vuvuzela orchestra and from 2005 to 2010 was a member of Sankofa marimba band. With Sankofa she sang and played marimbas. A vibrant and unique band, Sankofa won first place at the South African National Marimba Festival, performed at the Stellenboch International Ensemble Festival, the National Arts Festival and elsewhere. Their last performance, before disbanding so individual members could pursue solo careers, was in Mexico at the International Marimba festival where they received standing ovations. Other notable artists that Iggy has had the pleasure of working with include Prof. Jeanne Zaidel Ruldoph, gospel legend Pastor Benjamin Dube, renowned South African pianist Jill Richards, and British director Ozzie Reilly. Iggy began performing as a solo artist in 2005 and has since performed in various events including government functions and various music events and festivals. She is a dynamic, passionate and vibrant performer who has been described as a little dynamite on stage. One of her performances, one audience member was highly touched by her performance that he made a painting in her honour. The painting has since been donated to Pata Pata, a restaurant that has a performance venue at Maboneng precinct, downtown Johannesburg. Swiringene is Iggy’s first single and she will be working on her album soon. Track Info: Xewanini (Track 1) - Xewanini means greeting in my home language, XiTsonga, which is one of South African’s official languages. I wrote the song because I was feeling nostalgic about the place where I was born. I was born in a rural area where people take their time saying hello to each other and inquire about each other’s wellbeing. Neighbours can ask about each other’s chickens or livestock, or who is getting married, or just simply comment on the scorching heat. I was particularly thinking of my grandparents when writing the song. Swiringene (Track 2): Swiringene means ‘enough’. This song is written from the perspective of a married woman who has been living in an abusive relationship. In the song she is telling her husband that she has had enough to the beatings, being punched, being thrown against the wall, and finally she says Swiringene, implying that she is finally breaking away and leaving. Xikhongolotana (Track 3): Xikhongolotana is another childhood memory based song. Xikhongolotana is a baby millipede. This is a song I used to sing with my many cousins under the moonlight. All vocals by Iggy Produced by Lloyd Prince Recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered by Jonathan G Shaw Recorded at Shaw Music Studios, JHB Drums on Swiringene performed by Pule Mpeke Guitar and bass performed by Jonathan G Shaw Keys by Lloyd Prince All songs written by Ignatia Cynthia Madalane Executive producer: Iggy