After struggling with depression due to the pressures of the showbiz industry, Afro-pop star LaSauce has found the courage to focus on music again.
The young singer whose collaboration with Amanda Black I Do garnered five million views within weeks on YouTube says 2019 was the worst year of her life.
LaSauce says at some point she felt lonely in this dog-eat-dog industry and was tired of people unfairly judging her.
The 22-year-old singer says the whole experience made her doubt herself and if she was good enough to be in the industry. Through her family support, the singer managed to beat the depression.
Early this year, LaSauce, born Sindisiwe Magoso in Umzinto, KZN south coast, began composing songs in preparation for the release of her second offering.
Dedicated to finishing the album, she moved her studio to her house where she was able to finish her self-titled album Sindisiwe that was released at the end of August.
Unlike her first album Broken Lipstick in 2017 which explored notions of control and honesty, in Sindisiwe she has invited her fans into her journey of pain and love.
“The album is highly inspired by love and all of my songs on it just talk about love and after all, love conquers. Sindisiwe is about the pain that I have endured, the experiences, and having the courage to love after everything. I love telling a story through music,” she says.
“I am happy that people are falling in love with my music. The love that I’m preaching is the love you have for your partner, family and your work. As much as I was disappointed with myself because I always have higher expectations I love myself and I love what I do.”
About her bout of depression, LaSauce said: “I felt a lot of pressure... I had to adapt to a lot of things. My life growing up is totally different to what it is now as a musician. I went to Muslim schools and every day I had to cover my body and face. And now that I’m in the music industry I had to dress differently in order to appeal to my fans and people who know me began judging me.
"At some point I felt alone and depressed. And gaining the courage to get up and record and loving my work was a miracle. It was tough year and thanks to the family support that kept me strong."
Most songs on the album were composed by her while one track was composed by her mother. In putting together the album, LaSauce worked with a number of talented international and local producers as well as songstress Blaq Diamond.
The album has received a positive response since it was on high rotation at different radio stations and is now sitting at No 1 on iTunes Pop Album charts.
LaSauce says that unlike her first album, with Sindiswe she was hands on and enjoyed working on the production and creative process. She says there is a lot of growth and maturity in her second album.
“I had a chance to learn and understand my voice and explore the Afro-pop music style which has more expressive sounds and is full of harmonies. It might be an Afro-pop album but it delivered with class and I am satisfied with the end product.”
LaSauce says late local artists Lebo Mathosa and Brenda Fassie, and international star Rihanna, shaped her music career which kicked off in 2017 with Ambitiouz Entertainment.
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