Her debut album ’Triple Threat’ is available on digital platforms
Mdantsane resident Andiswa “Andee” Sesmani continues to rise up the ranks in the local
entertainment industry. The singer-songwriter, voiceover artist and actress discovered her passion for entertainment at a young age. “I believe that I was born artistically inclined,” Sesmani said.
“I was easily drawn to anything creative. “Being in a family of music lovers also contributed to sparking the flame.
“Almost every good or bad memory in my life has a soundtrack . “We did our chores to music, my dad drove us to school with the radio always on. I have fond memories of travelling to both my parents’ hometowns with my siblings with the car filled with music
from my parents’ CD collection,” Semani said.
“Seeing so many talented people on television performing and putting their imagination and creativity to life inspired me to believe that I could also make it happen.
“I started recording myself to see if I really possessed what I thought I did when I sang along to other artists songs.”
The artist received her training at AFDA in acting for stage, film, music, theatre and scriptwriting. Her commitment to the performing arts has earned her recognition in the form of an award for her contribution to the creative society at University of
Fort Hare.
She was also involved in a theatre production titled Ziyabila , staged at the Baxter theater in 2007, which focused on the challenges of adolescence.
She played the young lead character, Fiona.
“I also featured in the local hit film Knuckle City, which will air this month,” she said.
Semani’s work in the local music industry earned her Kumkani FM’s Best Female Artist
2016 award. Her debut album,Triple Threat, is out now on all major digital platforms and took her eight months to complete. She said her inspiration for her material came from different things in her life.
“Sometimes I’ll hum a melody, start writing, and then talk to my producer,” she said.
“Sometimes I’ll get a beat, connect with it then start writing. Sadness, anger, happiness, anxiousness are just some of the emotions that kickstart the writing process.
“People must support their creative loved ones, they need as much encouragement and
support as they can get. “Our work makes a difference in society, whether it highlights societal issues, educates, brings joy, helps people through tough times or holds a mirror to society.
“Our work is not a hobby, it is valuable and it matters. “Not everybody is an academic and we don’t all necessarily want to go the office route and we shouldn’t have to!
“My wish is that parents support their children’s dreams and nurture their gifts. “I believe this will help lessen the prevalence of mental illness, which is among other things, brought about by a lack of career fulfillment. “People are happier when they do things they’re good at.”
