When asked what type of music I listen to in these times of turmoil and when the world seems to sift from its orbit? I say… “ I listen to Spartz” There’s a soothing feeling that comes with listening to her sound, some would call it solace, but I for one believe solace would only describe being at peace without any external disturbance. Her sound serves a greater purpose, it seeks not only to disturb the parts of us that need healing, and comfort, but it also offers us perspective into the black experience, or part of it from her view as a black woman.  

The artist’s sound can be described as grounding, for it always feels like one is being taken on a spiritual journey through the artist’s lens. Her commanding voice echoes to the depths of our hidden hurt and unearths it, leaving us bare and wanting for more. The body of work compels us to see and to be aware of all the emotions we may have suppressed, it speaks to our pain, blackness, and spirituality. 

Photo Credit: Thato M Koto (@thato.ko)

When asked about what influences her music Spartz answered: “What influences my sound is the things that I go through, the things that I see, and feel. Everything that is within me and around me. It really could be anything. Anything and everything can go onto paper when writing; as long as it is honest to who I am and it heals the next person.”

After all, what is the purpose of music if not to alter us in some way, it can be in the way we feel or even in the way we see the world. I think we can all agree that the purpose of powerful music is to touch the ones it is directed to, by doing so it extends itself from its vessel and lives beyond its host.

Her first studio album ‘21 and Black’ was released in 2020, and it was a mixture of Neo Soul and African indigenous sounds, soon followed by her latest offering Awake released in 2022 earned her a nomination at the 2023 Metro FM music awards, Spartz was nominated in the category of best Jazz album alongside Nduduzo Makathini’s In the Spirits of Ntu and Linda Skhakane’s Isambulo.

Photo Credit: Phumlani Nangu (@phumlani_nangu)

As someone who has proven timely the dedication she has for her music, Spartz is on a steady rise to stardom, in addition, she has worked with Kabza De Small on his two-part album K.O.A on a song titled Ingabe. She continues to open doors and grow within the South African musical community. 

Spartz has a showcase called “Songs Around the Fire with Spartz”. This show will take place in her home city of Johannesburg in the heart of Alexandra, on 8th Hofmeyer Street on the 5th of August. Tickets are R150 on Webtickets.

For those who wish to heal their souls, while surrounded by beautiful people, and serenaded with heartwarming music, this show is definitely the space you need to find yourself in.