Blaq Opal has been lighting up the local music scene after releasing her first single, Fireworks, last year.
Born Enathi Mkeme, Blaq Opal, 31, grew up in Phoenix, Milnerton. She now lives in Peerless Park, Kraaifontein.
Under the guidance of her manager, Phindile Makapele, a former DJ, she has fast been making a name for herself in the industry.
“Her future is bright. There is massive talent in her, and I am certain that Blaq Opal is going to be one of the best, and most recognised vocal artists,” says Phindile.
The two met at a gig in August last year when Phindile was working as a DJ. Blaq Opal grew up singing in church and primary and high school productions.
Describing herself as “colourful, full of life, very artistic… and talkative,” Blaq Opal says her variant of house is “dimensional” and she likes to mix it with deep, soulful house. She is also toying with the idea of venturing into gospel, but house is first love.
“I love house, generally, it keeps me going, more especially when driving longer distances,” she says.
She wants to release more singles and then follow them up with an album.
“My intention is to enter the local music industry with a bang,” she says
Joburg has a strong pull for anyone wanting to make it in the music business, and this is also true for Blaq Opal, but she’s under no illusion about just how tough it can be.
“Joburg is the place, but the market is highly competitive,” she says.
That may be true, but it’s not stopping her: she recently struck a deal with Joburg-based record label, Freeze the Moment, under the wing of Universal Music Records.
According to Phindile, she has a deal for only one album.Whether she relocates up north or not, Blaq Opal’s determined to keep the Mother City close to her heart.
“When it comes to music, my intention is to put Cape Town on the map. This place has been good to me, and it has made me who I am.”
You can find Blaq Opal on almost all digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook (ThisIs Blaq Opal), Twitter and Instagram as BlaqOpal_Music; and her music is available on Sound Cloud and iTunes.
