EMALAHLENI — From financing football matches with his lunch money to teaching himself to play the piano, Sfiso Lubisi, popularly known as Stoz Music, has built a life shaped by creativity, entrepreneurship and determination.

With seven albums to his name, the eMalahleni-born artist describes music as therapy, self-expression and a way to connect with God.

Growing up on the farms of Albion before moving to Lynnville, Lubisi developed an entrepreneurial spirit early in life. In Standard 1, he used his lunch money to finance football matches after forming a team called Red Star with his friends.

When his family relocated and he changed schools, his attempt to revive the venture failed. He turned to selling sweets during lunch breaks, saving enough money to buy his mother a clothing basket in 1999.

“Would you believe me if I tell you that basket still exists and it doesn’t age?” he recalls with amusement.

 

Finding his voice through music

In 2000, Lubisi developed an interest in playing the piano. Unable to afford one, he sought donations towards the R499 needed to buy the instrument, even preparing a donation form.

Despite his father's frustration with the noise, he practised regularly and eventually began playing at a nearby church. He initially struggled to keep up with the singers but persevered.

“I play piano with passion, and music connects me to God,” he says.

Lubisi has also preached at school assemblies, briefly served as a pastor at Hope of Glory and participated in youth politics after completing high school.

His entrepreneurial ambitions remain strong, with dreams of running one of Africa's biggest companies.

“I’m not yet there, but the goal post has not changed,” he says.

 

Inspired by his mother's strength

Lubisi credits his mother’s sacrifices and determination with shaping his outlook on life.

“She created the soldier in me. I’m strong today because she displayed strength in front of us,” he says.

His album AFRICAN RYTHMS features two songs dedicated to her, Mama I Made It and Thank You Mama.

“If I could tell you about that woman, you would cry,” he says.

Although his music reflects personal experiences, conversations, observations and imagination, Lubisi prefers to keep his private life out of the spotlight. He created Stoz Music as a separate artistic identity.

 

Turning setbacks into strength

One of his greatest challenges came when he lost a business he had built from the ground up, forcing him to return home. The experience left him depressed for a time, but writing and composing music helped him cope.

It also changed his understanding of success.

“Success to me is the ability to recognise your worth and see the potential you have to be great without having to be defined by statistics or the world’s measurement,” he says.

He now values peace of mind and doing what he loves over material achievements.

“You can’t change where you are coming from, but you can shape where you are going to your likeness,” he advises young people.

 

Seven albums and a growing journey

Lubisi has released seven albums: Love Language, AFRICAN RYTHMS, Straight From The Heart, Emotional, Mysterious, Rebirth and In His Presence, alongside the singles Sengilimele and Ngiyazisola.

“I am now sharing my thoughts with the world,” he says.

His journey earned him a nomination for Best R&B or Afro Soul at the Nkangala Arts and Music Awards (NkAMA).

“It means a great deal, another path in my life I have walked,” he says.

An independent artist who writes and composes his own songs, Lubisi says Rebirth carries a deeper personal meaning, although he remains guarded about his future plans.

“Stoz, I don’t know, but Sfiso Lubisi has great plans for the future. Watch the space,” he says.

Reflecting on his journey, he adds:

“Don’t change anything about your journey, don’t change anything about your life. It is a gift; without it there is no Stoz Music,” he says.