Aura Sibu speaks on music, family, and new record label – She wears many hats; a multi-talented actress known for her captivating performances on screen and a talented musician. She’s been making music on the side for years.
Sibusisiwe Jili, now best known by her stage name AuraSibu, is stepping confidently into a new creative chapter as she officially pursues a career in music by co-owning Cava Records and releasing her five-track EP titled Umshado in March. She now spreads her wings with the Afro Tech/Three Step single titled Abaphansi.
The Umshato, meaning Marriage in English, when translated from her home language of isiZulu, symbolises the union between both her passions, acting and music.
The new single Abaphansi speaks of guidance, protection and growing spiritually.
Born in Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu Natal, naturally, when she started making music she gravitated towards the Durban sound of Gpom music and has been experimenting with various sounds and styles. She now blends Afro Tech, House beats, with a pinch of Gqom.
“My music is a representation of my life and what I am facing, and those close to me. I’ve realised that I’m not alone, a lot of people tend to gravitate towards my sound because they’re going through similar experiences, or they just purely enjoy my sound and catchy beats.
Q & A with Sibu Jili (Aura Sibu )
How did you come up with the stage name Aura Sibu?
The name came about last year during a studio session. I wanted something that would express my journey in music, and what better name than LIGHT, aka Aura Sibu. It’s a journey about my light, which I pour into my work.
You’ve been away from the limelight for some time. What have you been up to, and what were your last major TV roles?
I last played Nkunzi’s sister Nomkhosi Mhlongo on Uzalo and acted on Umjolo Gone Girl. Also on the Netflix special Day Ones. I played Zanele Cebekhulu, which I was nominated for best actress in a film at Simon Sabela and NFTA. I’ve had some acting work, but I’ve also been investing my time on myself. My mental wellness, my spiritual journey, and just being with family because they are my everything. There’s a big role that I cannot disclose as yet.
You left Johannesburg a few years back and relocated back home to Pietermaritzburg. What motivated the decision?
I needed a fresh start. I needed to be around family who loved and cared for me. Moving home and taking a break from everything was exactly what I needed to stay grounded. Plus, my role on The Queen had just ended. I had not found anything else at the time. It made sense.
Is music something you’ve always wanted to do?
Music for me has always been there. Vibrating at a level that I couldn’t even understand. When I opened myself up to it, I knew I had to take the opportunity and create something that would resonate with my journey. Just do me. Plus, when I moved back home, the music picked up. That too was a good sign. Music has healing frequencies. I usually listen to meditational vibrations when I sleep or meditate and during my yoga sessions. It has truly seen me through the rough days during my healing. It really tests you with everything you thought you were. I’ve decided to invest a lot of my energy into music. I opened Cava Records with my business partner KingCava. This is where I am also signed. I’ve been living, enjoying what I do and found a balance between motherhood, music and acting.
What have been the biggest challenges in starting your own business?
Financially, my music has been pulling its weight more than acting. Cava Records is now three years old. We’ve managed to penetrate the market whilst learning about the industry and growing ourselves individually and as a team. Okumnandi is that we are doing what we love, at our own pace. Gigs flow every weekend, whilst we can’t always be at every gig, we manage what’s within our power. My creativity is on fleek, and I’m so aware of my surroundings; it’s a whole new type of fun. Our biggest challenge while starting out was financing the business. We had to fund our every move as independent artist, setting it up and still having to make it to gigs on time and bring the energy. So, it’s been quite an adventure, but all worth it.
If you had to choose between acting and music, which one would come out tops?
Honestly, I can’t because they both play their own particular part in my life. It’s like making me choose between breathing and my heart beating. One can’t exist without the other.
Next year, what do you hope to achieve, what’s on your bucket list?
We have been preparing for the year to come. We have our own projects that we’ll be launching as a label, and travel is on the cards as well. Everything in its own time basically, taking it all as it comes and extremely grateful.
More About Aura Sibu
Born in the heart of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, her love of art blossomed from Grade four. She began her journey in high school gathering awards for both fine arts and drama. During her studies towards a bachelors degree in Geography and environmental management, she diverted to Media and Communications, majoring in Drama and Media.
During this time, she was also a model and signed under Ice Models. She has acted on several TV shows, including Umjolo: Day Ones, Uzalo, The Queen, Isibaya, Mina Nawe and Cosmo City Hustle. Also, Generations: The Legacy, Broken Vows and Masekoties, to name a few.
She has appeared in adverts and done voiceover work. Currently, her brand is geared toward youth development within the arts sector, having relocated from Johannesburg to Pietermaritzburg, her vision is to create a link between the previously disadvantaged arts community and the future of Arts in South Africa.
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