Exposed Vocals just sat down to an interview with MystiQTheMysterious – talks new album ‘Mysteries from a Broken Pas’

Sonneke Duvenhage was Born 18 March 1981 in Roodepoort South-Africa. Professionally known as MystiQ the Mysterious, she grew up on a farm with her mom, dad and younger brother just outside of bela- bela on Kromdraai. From a very young age she loved music and remembers how her mom used to sit with her by her organ, Playing on hearing only –she developed her own unique style and sense of music – till today she plays on hearing and composes her own songs. Having been influenced by the likes of EMINEM and Bok Van Blerk and Celine Dion, MystiQ the Mysterious has taken control of her fate with her passion for the arts, and music, launching her career as a musician in 2020/. She also became a, youth leader and motivational speaker. With her combined talent as a creative art and graphic designer, singer, songwriter and prolific writer, her artistry has been described as captivating, diverse, and astounding. Her Debut Single Many Souls One Destiny ( Orchestral ) Version was released in December of 2021, and it is much talked about between all who have seen it. MystiQ Has Just released her latest single Immortal soul that is available on all digital stores. 

MystiQ has indeed grown into a passionate vocalist who has the opportunity, of being a contestant, and one of the finalists, in a gospel singing competitions called the Primrose Worship Celebration, taking place on the 18 September 2022., She recently completed working her latest offering in the form of an collaboration compilation Album.,. In this latest project she has collaborated with various producers and artists of many backgrounds and cultures, to bring to live the Ethnic-soul sound that will capture, move, and inspire the souls of many…

Exclusive Interview

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

MystiQTheMysterious: I was born on the 18 of March 1981 in Roodepoort South-Africa. I grew up on a farm named Kromdraai/Sitrusvlakte just outside of Bela- Bela with my mom, dad and younger brother.

From a very young age already I loved music and I remembers how my mom used to sit with me by my organ, showing me the basics – Teaching me DO RE MI FA SO LA TI DO – Playing on hearing only, I developed my own style and sense of music – As I was growing up some traumatic events happened and I forgot who I was, Mom kept encouraging me to do music, but I did not believe I could, so I kept sticking with my poetry instead. It was only when mom passed away and I was on the streets that I realised that she was right. People with so much talent would take my poems and rap my lyrics. That’s when I decided to join the music industry in 2019. Today I still play on hearing and compose my own songs. I officially launched my career as a musician in 2020.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

 MystiQTheMysterious: Well there is So many people with amazing talents – but due to circumstances and many failed attempts  they stuck at careers they do not enjoy and their talent is hidden – as a musician I did my research and found that for someone to be noticed in this industry and you broke… it’s hard. . To find a studio to get recorded and be heard I found it’s ridiculously costly to do so, especially when you are trying to generate income with merely the talent you were given musically. It takes hard work and dedication to create something as unique as a song and to get your work out there costs fortunes most South-Africans today can’t afford. So they lock their talents away and get low paying or no jobs and talents wasted – They must know that it is OK to dream, because if you work hard you will get there.  You are capable of achieving anything you put your mind too! No matter where you live, what you wear, how you look or what you do to survive!! As long as you are dedicated and you keep pursuing your dreams, you will make it! Find people with similar ideas and goals, collaborate, and take chances even if you fail – keep trying!! Somewhere someone will SEE YOU!!

Please go to Poze production’s, or look me up and give a shout I will show you in the direction off some people to help you launch your career!! I was scouted on reverb nation by Vanessa Morgan and that’s why I can say DO NOT GIVE UP!! Someone will like you!!!

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

MystiQTheMysterious: All the time – I get very nervous everytime I have to go on stage or perform where people is looking at me – I get so nervous I start to cry at times. Worst of all is I forget my lyrics, that’s just embarrassing/ I always find my comeback with a smile and giggle and then get the confidence to continue even if the lyrics is wrong … who will know right?

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

MystiQTheMysterious: Not as yet, but I do dream of it and if God spares me long enough I would sure love to go to Scotland, London and Germany.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

MystiQTheMysterious: O yes I plan on having my own academy of arts one day, with more than just one full studio. But for now I’m working with my home studio set up – and It does the same job any big studio does – just more cost effective.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

MystiQTheMysterious: Spread the word, open accounts in your name so your artist name stands out, share your music everywhere with everyone!! Until you get some results.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

MystiQTheMysterious: Detroit with EMINEM of course. He has always been my inspiration. He is genuine and true and I can relate to his music. South African artist I would love to perform with is Bok Van Blerk – same reason that I have with Eminem – His music speaks of truth and in Bokkie’s case words of A true Afrikaner heart.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

MystiQTheMysterious: My newest Album will be launching soon – Mysteries from a Broken Past. It is a collaboration compilation album, with many different genres, I have collaborated with various producers and artists of many backgrounds and cultures, to bring to live the Ethnic-soul sound that will capture, move, and inspire the souls of many…

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

MystiQTheMysterious: I would be a teacher or a nurse – Any profession where I would be helping other human beings.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

MystiQTheMysterious: They must look forward to many more collaborations with other great artists – existing and upcoming- My new relationship proves to have many musical endeavors ahead as he is also a musician and an ex HASH artist. So do watch the space.

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

MystiQTheMysterious: My Family – the remailing ones out there, hi – look at me ya’ll! My brother – Marius Duvenhage- Thank you for being the amazing brother you are even though you are so far. My step Mom – Louisa Duvenhage – Thank you for the love and support with my music it means the world to me!!! My chicka in Scotland – Without your love and support I’d never survive this far! Thank you!!! My kids – Kelly, Dylan and Brian –You will always be my babies even though you are all grown up. Mom loves you and misses you! Thank you for always being patient with me during difficult times.