Jabulile Majola’s Isitifiketi EP Celebrates Belonging

Jabulile Majola’s journey from rural Greytown to the Fête de la Musique stage is a heartfelt story of faith, healing and the search for belonging. His new EP, Isitifiketi, blends spiritual roots with folk music and poetic lyricism. The artist recently shared his excitement about being selected to perform at the 2025 Fête de la Musique.

Roots in Faith and Music

Growing up in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, Jabulani Majola was raised in a Pastor’s household among 26 siblings. His early life was deeply rooted in faith. Church melodies first inspired his love for music. He began exploring the power of words by recording rap songs. Although his older brother tried teaching him guitar, his interests lay elsewhere at the time.

After moving to Cape Town, his musical horizons broadened. He drew inspiration from folk music and emotional landscapes shaped by artists like Bon Iver, Paul Simon, Joseph Shabalala, and Leonard Cohen. He eventually returned to the guitar, cementing his musical path.

Healing Through Identity and Art

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In honor of his mother, who disappeared after his birth, he adopted her name, Jabulile. He has described this act as a step toward healing. His EP, Isitifiketi, powerfully addresses themes of recognition and belonging. It honors the most basic form of identity: the birth certificate.

“Everybody has that deep need to belong somewhere, to someone. I think my story speaks into that,” Jabulile explains. “The EP is a culmination not only of the quest for identity but also of feeling a sense of belonging.”

He sees human identity as constantly shaped by different environments. Listeners have connected deeply with his storytelling. Many find a message of hope in his music. “The hope I tend to speak about is not necessarily the hope that tomorrow is going to be better, it’s the hope that anchors us in the times when it’s the worst,” he shares.

A Spotlight at Fête de la Musique

Jabulile applied to be part of the 2025 Fête de la Musique hoping to share his music. He was selected as one of 12 performers for the 14th edition. The event celebrates musical expression, community, and cultural exchange. It was organized by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), which marked its 30th anniversary this year.

He was deeply moved by the event’s accessibility. “Every person was there; from every nation, every age group. There were kids dancing in front – that was my highlight,” he recalls. “It wasn’t this exclusive event. It’s IFAS trying to showcase these stories to each and every single person.”

For aspiring musicians, Jabulile advises patience and overcoming doubt. He encourages artists to learn, grow, and develop their strengths during waiting periods. That preparation ensures they are ready when opportunity arrives. His own story stands as a testament to faith, healing, and the universal search for belonging.