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Pinky Ngcobo-Khoza
– Finding her passion under COVID-19
M
aNgcobo-Khoza has always been singing at
MUT’s year-end events and probably at some
private functions too. She has produced a
single, “Izizwe,” which is available on all online
platforms and is taking South Africa by storm. She is also
busy producing an album which is soon to be finalised.
It was MaNgcobo-Khoza’s video on Facebook, Instagram
and YouTube that got her noticed by the SABC who did a
cutting-edge profile on her on Women’s Day this
year. The SABC interview drew attention to the
government’s lack of support for the arts,
leading to artists’ talents being hidden
because they still have to work full-time
while pursuing their passion. In the case
of Pinky, she works full-time providing
secretarial support to the Executive
Management Committee at MUT – a job she
does tremendously!
MaNgcobo-Khoza grew up in Ozwathini, at
Bhamshela in the Maphumulo region. She attended
Ngayiphi Primary School and later Ngcongangconga
and Skhulile Secondary schools. After studying at MUT,
she went to DUT for her BTech and thereafter acquired a
Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Under the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, she began pursuing
her dream. Starting small, she realised that she could combine
her passion and her job. The result was to select a music genre
that fitted her and dovetailed with her mission in life. This is
to contribute to the nation-building agenda and encourage
women and the youth to shine wherever they are, regardless
of circumstances. Her genre, African Spiritual Music, aims
to bring hope amidst all the pain that South Africa has gone
through, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Gender-Based
Violence. This genre has made a hit in KwaZulu-Natal and
soon MaNgcobo-Khoza will be a force to be reckoned with.
“I am on a journey to make people appreciate their roots
through my music. During the lockdown in 2020, I read
about so many painful things that were happening among
the disenfranchised communities. I then took it upon myself
to write music that would heal the nation. At the back of my
mind I also wanted a music genre that would remind us of
where we have come from. As I wrote my music I realised
that I had to align it to my own voice. This is the voice that my
people long ago used when they sang songs. Embarking
on this journey is not easy at all. First, I must be
loyal to my employer. This means a lot of hard
work for me and I still have to give my time to
my family. As the saying goes, ‘Where there
is a will there is a way.’ I pray that my dream
to make my voice heard through music will
be realised soon,” said MaNgcobo-Khoza.
We have always known that Pinky is a very talented musician. Today she is referred to by the media as
MaNgcobo-Khoza with great respect and admiration.
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