She always shies away from being labelled ‘the daughter of politician Bathabile Dlamini.’ She is proud of her mom’s achievements, but singer, trombonist, and multi-instrumentalist Midnight Uzo, real name Skhumbuzo Mazibuko (28) wants to cement herself and her name in the music industry.
The name Midnight Uzo comes from her real name Skhumbuzo and her most creative and productive time is usually in midnight while many sleep. “I find the evening to be a peaceful time to create,” she says. “So, my friends dubbed me Midnight Uzo because I thrive in the night. Some of my best work has been created around midnight.”
In April, last year, she launched her music journey with her debut EP, New Genisis. After taking a few months to work behind the scenes on her sound, she returns with the single Hayi, featuring Kwaito royalty, Professor whom she met through a mutual friend. “Professor and I gelled immediately. Our styles of music are very different, but there was a lot of musical chemistry.” It has always been a dream to work with some of the best and knowledgeable artists in the county and this is just a start for Midnight Uzo. “One down, many more to go. Professor really lived up to his name and was a well of wisdom, and oh so humble.” Hayi is a love song about longing to see someone dear to me. “All my songs are personal and reflect either my life or those close to me,” she says. “This song is a call, missing a loved one. People can then interpret it in their own way in their own lives.”
Being the daughter of a highly criticised politician and former ANC Women’s League president, while trying to build one’s brand is not easy. “Oh, there are times when I throw my mom’s name around for comic relief, but I’ve never used it to open doors for me, I try to let my work speak for itself,” she says.“I am building my own legacy yet I am very grateful of my privilege and upbringing, although it does often come with burdens.” When she is not making music and playing five instruments, Midnight Uzo is an honours student specialising in Musicology at Stellenbosch University. Her passion for music started young, and she has always been encouraged by her family to nurture her gift. “I come from a musical family, not just political. I was in a choir from a young age. I do a lot of research and I incorporate I in my are, learning about and performance styles.”