Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Alumna, Philisiwe Ntintili is grateful to her Head of Department (HOD), Professor Debbie Lugte and lecturers for helping her to obtain, Cum Laude in her Drama and Production Studies Diploma.

Ntintili (30) from Flagstaff, Eastern Cape who has pursued a career in music, says studying Drama at DUT was her main choice and she was delighted when she seamlessly got admitted for the course.

Having a responsibility to take care of her mother who was unwell at that time, juggling both school and work as well as seeking registration fees, was what challenged Ntintili during her years of study. “I lacked financial muscle to put me through school and I felt like no one would be interested in funding me especially because my peers had graduated about 3 or 4 years ago. Through the grace of God, National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Ugu District accepted my application,” she said.

Ntintili is the first one in her family to ever go to university, to top it all she even visited abroad.

“My mom was so proud of me and she still is! She raised me all alone, and it was not easy at all. I think part of her still can’t believe that her own daughter is a graduate. That reality still seems far-fetched to her. I was one of the students who went to Germany in 2018 for the Folk Festival, in a production called Taming of the Shrew, I wrote most of the songs in that production and I was the one who was leading them,” she said.

Ntintili is amongst DUT graduates who graduated virtually early this year due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

The multi-talented Ntintili says her love for music and writing started at a very young age and it runs in the family too. She describes her family as a music powerhouse, although she is the one who decided to make music a profession.

Ntintili is a recording Afro Fusion artist. “Navigating into the music industry was not easy because of funds and finding a dedicated team. Finding the right producer that understands my mission and vision in music was also difficult. They came and went, they were undoubtfully good but just did not understand my music personality and that was a big problem for me,” explained Ntintili.

The independent artist has a single that she released on 03 November 2020 tittled: Ndifuna Wena. She has worked with so many other artists that are kingpins of the music/entertainment industry. She listed: Jennifer Hudson, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Casper Nyovest, Zakwe, Dj Tira, DJ Kabza De Small,Amanda Black, Black Diamond and the list goes on.

The future looks even more clearer for Ntintili as she plans on releasing her own Extended Play Record (EP) in 2021. Her single, Ndifuna Wena is available on all digital stores namely: Deezer, Spotify, Apple music, Amazon music, YouTube, Sound cloud and Tidal. Here is the link to access the song: https://orcd.co/ndifunawena

Advising first years, Ntintili stresses the importance of staying focused. She encourages Drama and Production studies students to take good care of their bodies and always respect their crafts.

“When your school journey gets difficult because it will get difficult, do not give up. Always remember why you started,” said Ntintili.

Pictured: Philisiwe Ntintili (Picture supplied)

Nikiwe Sukazi