Soul food with singer Asanda

PORT Elizabeth Afro-soul singer Asanda Mqiki wrapped up her busy Heritage Month with a lunch date at KK Butchery in New Brighton, a "tshisa nyama" she loves for its good-time memories and tasty braaied meat.

Mqiki followed up a musical trip to Sweden last month with a series of free lunch-hour concerts in the metro CBD in September and then settled down to a meal even closer to home, as the butchery is only a few blocks away from the Aggrey Street house where she grew up.

Meat-lover Mqiki shared a feast of chicken, boerewors and lamb and pork chops with her bass player Sinetemba Ncetani, and accompanied her meal with creme soda, and slices of white bread to mop up the juices.

The former Take Note jazz singer now has her own band, and as the braai fires smoked, she outlined what had led her to sing for a living.

I am a singer because ... I believe I'm gifted vocally and singing makes me feel good.

I'd love to party with ... Sibongile Khumalo, Rachelle Ferrell and Bobby Mcferrin. These are the three vocalists I look up to and I'd love to see their party side as they are so much fun and bubbly.

I have a soft spot for ... my family.

I should have studied  ... instead of music? It would be human movement sciences or sports management. I love sports, especially hockey.

I'm listening to  ... Piri Piri, a Swedish band, and Mam Letta Mbulu's Not Yet Uhuru album. I love listening to these two albums, they are soooo refreshing.

When I was 16 I wish I knew  ... that everything you want you work for and that life is a beautiful hustle.

The person who has taught me a lot  ... my parents: my mom in life and my dad in music.

My music guilty pleasure is  ... scatting and drums.

Nothing makes me happier than  ... being on stage and performing.

I absolutely hate  ... the division and politics among local musicians, it doesn't help us to grow.

I am saving to buy  ... a full set of instruments and sound plus a vintage car.

My least favourite song is  ... Lelilanga Lelam by Naima Kay.

I share my life with  ... .my Mom and Lelethu "PoeticSoul" Mahambehlala.

I can't go a day without  ... listening to myself singing, I am my biggest fan!

In 10 years I see myself  ... on the Grammy's stage.

My favourite places in the metro are ... KK Butchery in New Brighton, Angelo's restaurant, and Walmer Park for movies.