What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the name Pamela Nkutha? For me? It’s her song— Umntanami (Kidnapped). Yoh! Now let me tell you something funny. As I grew up genuinely believing that child was kidnapped in real life. Completely. But in my defence, I was still a kid. And honestly, that’s the power Pamela’s music had on many of us growing up — it felt real, emotional and personal enough to stay with you for the rest of your life. And honestly, that’s why Pamela Nkutha remains one of South Africa’s most loved legendary musicians. With timeless songs like Manano, Ga Ka E Nyake, This Is Africa, Tinotenda Mwari, Balatedi Baka, Muranziwa, and of course the unforgettable Umntanami (Kidnapped), Pamela cemented her place in South African music history and became part of everyday life for many families across generations. I have been a Pamela Nkutha fan since I was nine years old thanks to my father’s music collection, so imagine my disbelief when I finally met her in person. Yoh… I blinked twice just to make sure it was really Mama Pam in the flesh. And that’s when I knew I had to use the opportunity to get you guys the scoop. You know me mos — I always have your back, my people. And beyond the excitement of finally meeting one of my childhood favourites, I was also drawn back into her project TIYISELA — a sincere body of work centred on gratitude, resilience and the deep connection she continues to share with audiences who have followed her journey from the very beginning. Years after its release in 2023, TIYISELA continues to resonate deeply with fans, as it serves as a direct and personal reflection of their relationship with Pamela Nkutha and a reminder of how deeply she sees and values their love and unwavering support. Now in this exclusive Q&A with Africa Jamz FM News, Pamela Nkutha reflects on TIYISELA, her Soweto beginnings, unforgettable fan memories and why she never needed to reinvent herself to remain timeless. Here’s what she had to say: Legendary musician Pamela Nkutha rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album “Umntanami” (Kidnapped) in 1988, followed by “Manano” in 1990. Picture: Supplied 1. Mama Pam, with TIYISELA, what emotional space were you in when you decided this was the right time to return with a full body of work, and what message were you most determined to deliver to your fans through this album? “A man is as good as his word. Loyalty to self and others is everything. This inspired me to raise issues that affect relationships and life itself in society,” said Mama Pam. 2. When listeners pressed play on TIYISELA, what did you hope they would immediately feel or remember about you as an artist — especially those who have followed your journey since the beginning? “I am a reflection of my craft. Expect nothing short of the truth from this voice. I don’t hold back on account of credibility. I made my life a melody that everyone can self reflect on,” said Mama Pam. Pamela Nkutha captured performing live on stage during one of her memorable concert performances. Picture: Supplied 3. Looking back at your early days in Soweto and your first break as a backing vocalist, did you ever imagine you would still be performing and releasing music decades later? “Oh yes. Since I make music based on experience, we all know in life you never stop learning until death. Logically, you can’t really run out of experiences to share with others. Music is life and I am its voice,” said Mama Pam. 4. Your music has lived in so many everyday spaces — from shebeens to family celebrations to mine communities — what’s one memory from a fan or performance that has stayed with you over the years? “Crying. That just shows the level of care and relation to my craft. I have seen it many times though. People just love the reflection of my music in their everyday life. They literally live the experiences I share,” said Mama Pam. As she has firmly cemented her place in South African music history, Pamela Nkutha continues to build on her legacy by staying active in music and sharing her artistry with audiences. Picture: Supplied 5. In a music industry that constantly shifts with new sounds and younger artists, what keeps you personally grounded and still excited about creating and performing today? “Everybody has their own journey. That’s the one thing no one can take from me. New artists share their own and so do I. Times change but yesterday is just today reflected tomorrow. That’s my motto,” said Mama Pam. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: EXCLUSIVE: Maxwell Mojapelo: The Man Who Saved South Africa’s Music Legacy Post navigation EXCLUSIVE: Maxwell Mojapelo: The Man Who Saved South Africa’s Music Legacy
