'Music is my contribution of hope': 5 minutes with singer Yamke

18 March 2025 - 12:14
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Rising star Yamke recently released her debut album, 'My Time'.
Rising star Yamke recently released her debut album, 'My Time'.
Image: Thabo Tshabalala

Afro-pop singer Yamke hopes to spread her wings across Africa.

The singer, whose real name is Yamkela Sigagayi, hails from Sankobe in Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape. Her acclaimed performance at the Moshito Music Conference in 2024, which featured songs like Ndimlo, Umonde featuring Berita and the radio hit Awundicingeli, introduced her to new opportunities worldwide.

Yamke, 25, spoke to TshisaLIVE about her recently released debut album, titled My Time.

“Though I have worked on collaborations with some of our country's top talent, I dropped my debut album first, before the collaborations. My album was released in February and offers my fans a range of listening experiences, from Afro-soul to world music,” she said.

Yamke is one of the many talented artists who has joined the independent label Show Them Flames, including Zuko SA.

She worked with creatives such as Alie Keys and producer Nombila on her album, which offers a variety of feel-good tunes as well as spiritual soul food inspired by her surroundings and collaborations.

“Love is at the centre of the album, with thought-provoking and spiritual elements that stand out in my writing. My collaborations seek to unite and heal the world. Change has got to come, one way or another — and music is my contribution of hope.”


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