Award-winning artist Siseko Pame, from Ziphunzana in Duncan Village, is a musician with a a desire to help his community.
The 34-year-old ethno soul artist bagged the African Adult Contemporary Album award at the South African Music Awards (Sama) in on June. 1. It was his first nomination for his debut album, iLanga.
“I was up against industry giants such as Joe Nina and Siphokazi in that category. The award boosted my confidence as the panel was made up of people with lots of experience,” said Pame.
He said this win later made him develop a mantra of “social responsibility, self development and healthy business relationships”.
However, his journey to his award was dark and winding, dealing with drug abuse and depression.
“I started using crystal methamphetamine [tik] in 2015 and got hooked. It affects your mind and I was also on anti-depressants. It was like being stuck in a dark box,” Pame said.
So the fight against drug abuse is close to his heart and his biggest worry is the recent legalisation of marijuana for personal use.
“I hope the government will take measures to curb use through educating people about the dangers. People don’t know what these drugs are doing to them, others are laced with things such as Rattex and ARVs,” Pame said.
Pame will perform at the Guild Theatre on Friday.
“It’s not going to be an ordinary show where there’s just music. It’s a celebration of God’s grace and glorifying Him,” Pame said
There will be a screening of a video highlighting the issues of gender-based abuse, sexual assault and body issues which ties into the campaign he’s planning on Saturday at Jan Smuts Stadium.
“I would like people to come out in numbers to show their support. against drugs, sexual offenses and also unite all African people. The campaign is called, Make Buffalo City a Drug-Free Metro,” and I’d like to make it national,” he said.
The show is scheduled for 7pm. Tickets are available at Computicket at R150 while R200 tickets will include his award winning CD.
