Artist Interview - Lebohang Sajeni - Behind the Voice - "Immortal" Featured Artist
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Just Gospel Radio conducted an in-depth interview with Lebohang Sajeni, the South African vocalist featured on Effy's hit single "Immortal." The conversation revealed the unexpected journey of a shy advertising professional who accidentally became a recording artist through friendship and divine orchestration. This marked Sajeni's first-ever radio interview and media appearance.
ARTIST BACKGROUND
Personal Profile:
Full name: Marcia Lebohang Sajeni
Origin: Born and raised in Soweto, Zim'shope
Family: Mother of three (teenage daughter and 13-year-old twin boys)
Profession: Advertising industry professional, recently transitioned from behind-the-scenes production to client-facing roles
Musical experience: School choir (primary), brief band participation (high school), then 20+ year hiatus
THE ACCIDENTAL ARTIST STORY
How "Immortal" Happened:
Connection: Best friend relationship with Effy's wife (met as colleagues in advertising)
Initial request: Asked to correct Zulu pronunciation/spelling in song lyrics
The mistake: Sent vocal correction as sung voice note instead of spoken feedback
Studio invitation: Despite saying "no," found herself recording in studio with friend's support
Debut achievement: "Immortal" became her first recorded project ever
Creative Process Experience:
First-time studio recording with hand-holding support from Effy's wife
Extreme nervousness and anxiety throughout process
Described as "out of body experience" with shaky vocals initially
Required multiple takes to overcome performance anxiety
PERSONALITY & PERFORMANCE PARADOX
The Shy Performer:
Sajeni exhibits fascinating contradictions - describing herself as extremely shy and behind-the-scenes oriented, yet successfully performed in bands and now records professionally. She experiences what she calls an "alter ego" transformation during performance, temporarily forgetting anxiety and flowing naturally with the music.
Career Context:
Spent years in advertising production and project management (behind-the-scenes roles)
Recently transitioned to client-facing position, showing gradual comfort expansion
Maintains preference for supporting rather than leading roles
FAMILY DYNAMICS
Children's Reactions:
Twin boys (13): Nonchalant response typical of teenagers, briefly excited about music video
Teenage daughter: Most supportive and excited, currently sings in school choir
Family viewing: Organized home screening of music video release
Generational pattern: Musical talent appearing to transfer to daughter
Parental Perspective:
Sajeni expressed openness to daughter pursuing singing career, emphasizing importance of following passion and personal comfort levels.
MUSIC VIDEO & FUTURE PROJECTS
Video Production:
Single-day shoot with wardrobe changes and lighting setups
Initial discomfort giving way to enjoyment
Supportive crew helping ease anxiety
Behind-the-scenes role reversal with Effy's wife managing production
Upcoming Challenges:
Live performances: Confirmed as inevitable despite continued resistance
Stage anxiety: Acknowledges performances are coming but maintains apprehension
Career trajectory: Recognizes "wheel is moving" beyond her control
INDUSTRY SIGNIFICANCE
Representation & Collaboration:
Cross-border South African-Namibian gospel partnership
Advertising industry professional entering music space
Adult debut artist breaking traditional career timeline expectations
Mother balancing family life with unexpected artistic emergence
Broadcast Milestone:
Sajeni emphasized this was her first radio interview ever, making Just Gospel Radio her media debut platform.
PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHTS
Growth Through Discomfort:
The interview reveals someone actively pushing personal boundaries despite significant anxiety. Sajeni describes feeling "trapped" by circumstances but ultimately embracing the journey, using metaphors like taking only a "toenail out of the box" to describe her cautious emergence from comfort zones.
ARTIST BACKGROUND
Personal Profile:
Full name: Marcia Lebohang Sajeni
Origin: Born and raised in Soweto, Zim'shope
Family: Mother of three (teenage daughter and 13-year-old twin boys)
Profession: Advertising industry professional, recently transitioned from behind-the-scenes production to client-facing roles
Musical experience: School choir (primary), brief band participation (high school), then 20+ year hiatus
THE ACCIDENTAL ARTIST STORY
How "Immortal" Happened:
Connection: Best friend relationship with Effy's wife (met as colleagues in advertising)
Initial request: Asked to correct Zulu pronunciation/spelling in song lyrics
The mistake: Sent vocal correction as sung voice note instead of spoken feedback
Studio invitation: Despite saying "no," found herself recording in studio with friend's support
Debut achievement: "Immortal" became her first recorded project ever
Creative Process Experience:
First-time studio recording with hand-holding support from Effy's wife
Extreme nervousness and anxiety throughout process
Described as "out of body experience" with shaky vocals initially
Required multiple takes to overcome performance anxiety
PERSONALITY & PERFORMANCE PARADOX
The Shy Performer:
Sajeni exhibits fascinating contradictions - describing herself as extremely shy and behind-the-scenes oriented, yet successfully performed in bands and now records professionally. She experiences what she calls an "alter ego" transformation during performance, temporarily forgetting anxiety and flowing naturally with the music.
Career Context:
Spent years in advertising production and project management (behind-the-scenes roles)
Recently transitioned to client-facing position, showing gradual comfort expansion
Maintains preference for supporting rather than leading roles
FAMILY DYNAMICS
Children's Reactions:
Twin boys (13): Nonchalant response typical of teenagers, briefly excited about music video
Teenage daughter: Most supportive and excited, currently sings in school choir
Family viewing: Organized home screening of music video release
Generational pattern: Musical talent appearing to transfer to daughter
Parental Perspective:
Sajeni expressed openness to daughter pursuing singing career, emphasizing importance of following passion and personal comfort levels.
MUSIC VIDEO & FUTURE PROJECTS
Video Production:
Single-day shoot with wardrobe changes and lighting setups
Initial discomfort giving way to enjoyment
Supportive crew helping ease anxiety
Behind-the-scenes role reversal with Effy's wife managing production
Upcoming Challenges:
Live performances: Confirmed as inevitable despite continued resistance
Stage anxiety: Acknowledges performances are coming but maintains apprehension
Career trajectory: Recognizes "wheel is moving" beyond her control
INDUSTRY SIGNIFICANCE
Representation & Collaboration:
Cross-border South African-Namibian gospel partnership
Advertising industry professional entering music space
Adult debut artist breaking traditional career timeline expectations
Mother balancing family life with unexpected artistic emergence
Broadcast Milestone:
Sajeni emphasized this was her first radio interview ever, making Just Gospel Radio her media debut platform.
PSYCHOLOGICAL INSIGHTS
Growth Through Discomfort:
The interview reveals someone actively pushing personal boundaries despite significant anxiety. Sajeni describes feeling "trapped" by circumstances but ultimately embracing the journey, using metaphors like taking only a "toenail out of the box" to describe her cautious emergence from comfort zones.
