Sku Set to Make Emotional Comeback at the National Arts Merit Awards
There is a certain magic that surrounds artistes who return to the stage after time away, and on Saturday, that magic will belong to Sku, the urban grooves songstress making her emotional comeback at the National Arts Merit Awards in Harare. Born Sikhululekile Mpofu, Sku became a familiar name to fans in the early 2000s, emerging at the height of Zimbabwe’s urban grooves movement. She quickly carved a niche in Afro pop and Kwaito, performing alongside some of the country’s brightest young talents. Her early music years were marked by memorable milestones, showcasing her ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics. Audiences who grew up with her music will recall the energy, originality, and emotional resonance that defined her performances.
Sku’s journey in music has been defined by both collaboration and solo success. In 2004, she featured on her brother POZee Younga97’s album Kasi Lami, contributing to the hit track Hamba Nobani, cementing their status as a formidable sibling duo. Her debut album introduced the love anthem Owami, followed by her 2005 release Dlulile. The two siblings continued producing music under their Kas’novalo Entertainment label, releasing singles such as Why Mele Senze Kancane Vele in 2008. Later tracks like Top Notch (2021), Ama Rights featuring YTK Wamampela, and Tikilisha in 2022 demonstrated their ability to evolve with the changing music landscape. These collaborations highlight Sku’s commitment to her craft while maintaining strong familial and artistic bonds.
Sku’s career has extended beyond Zimbabwe, reflecting her versatility as a live performer. She appeared at the Zimbabwe Music Awards in 2005 when POZee Younga97 won Most Promising Young Artiste, performed on the Nama stage in 2008, and showcased her talent in Zambia and South Africa. More recently, she featured at an Econet event at the ZITF and at the Pub Choir in 2025, proving that her spark never fully faded. Despite her consistency and talent, Sku took time away from the spotlight to focus on her family. She reflects on this period with gratitude, noting that her absence did not diminish her passion or the music in her blood. Her perspective emphasizes that the life of an artiste extends beyond public performances and thrives in personal growth and experience.
Sku’s return to the stage carries both professional and deeply personal significance. In 2014, she released the gospel single Sibusiso Sami, inspired by the traumatic birth of her daughter, who was born with apnoea. The song is a heartfelt expression of anguish and gratitude, celebrating her daughter’s survival and good health. This experience adds emotional depth to Sku as an artiste, showing audiences that her performances are shaped by real-life struggles and triumphs. She describes her comeback as thrilling, emphasizing that her return is not merely a nostalgic moment but a statement of renewed energy and commitment to her music.
Sku is focused on reclaiming her artistic space and exploring new projects. She acknowledges the support of her family, particularly her daughter Sibusiso, and the enduring creative partnership with her brother POZee Younga97. Their shared dreams and collaboration have been central to her artistic growth. As she prepares for the Nama ceremony under the theme Fearless Creativity, Sku aims to deliver a performance that reflects her journey, resilience, and artistry. Her return is a reminder of her influence on Zimbabwe’s music scene and a signal that her voice, once defining an era, remains powerful and relevant.
