Singer and songwriter Nomfusi Ngonyama shares her story of growing up in an informal settlement of Kwazakhele in Gqeberha, without much but abundant love from her mother. As a child, she was always surrounded by music, and that’s how her gift was nurtured.
The loss of her mother when she was only 12 years old changed her life forever. And today, after a journey some might deem as a miracle, Nomfusi travels the globe to spread love and healing through her very first love – music.
We caught up with the songstress about her new album, her tour and plans to support the needy.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHERE YOU GREW UP
I grew up in the informal settlements of Kwazakhele, Gqeberha, which is basically at the bottom of the food chain, but I had a very beautiful childhood. My mother was very loving and she always told me and my siblings that she loves us. Unfortunately, she passed away when I was around 12 years old, and that's when my life changed drastically.
WHERE AND HOW DID YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY BEGIN?
I’ve always been surrounded by music; my neighbours would play everything from reggae and gospel to slow jams and jazz – that’s just how the informal settlements are; you can hear everything around you. My mom was a traditional healer, so almost every weekend there would be intlombe, where we would beat drums and dance. I would be one of the people beating the drum and dancing as well.
My professional music career began in 2008 when I was discovered in a songwriting class. We were asked to write songs and perform them, little did I know there was someone in the room from Universal Publishing, and that’s how my journey into the music industry began.
Related article: 5 Minutes with Langa Mavuso
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?
At the time, I didn’t think I faced any challenges. There was a record label, there was a manager, and someone running the songwriting academy – I felt like I was in a safe environment. It was only later when I grew in the music industry, and discovered that it was both a passion and a business.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM AND WHAT INSPIRED IT
It’s my fourth album and I called it The Red Stoep. It's also the first album I co-produced. In the past ten years, I’ve developed a European fan base, and I’m proud of myself for that. With this album, I wanted to accommodate the local market and the one abroad because both have sustained me. My dilemma was trying to make something that pleased everyone.
WHERE ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT WITH YOUR UPCOMING TOUR?
I’m happy that I’ve done a few shows in South Africa even though I'd love to have stayed longer – I have to leave within a month. The tour will last for a month, and I’ll be touring Germany and England. I'm very proud of myself – I'm going to perform at my own shows, where people will be coming to see me.
BESIDES MUSIC, WHAT OTHER INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE?
I’m working on opening my NGO, I love young people and communicating with them. I escaped poverty through grace and support structures that I didn’t realise were there. I now understand how much and who I left behind – in an environment that isn’t conducive to success. So, with my NGO I want to focus on that and use art to pierce their minds. I’m also going back to school to study psychology to have enough tools for the NGO. But I’ll never leave music, it saved me.
Related article: How to make helping others your life’s work by joining an NGO
WHO'S YOUR ROLE MODEL?
I’m motivated by day-to-day stories – my role models are people who make it through impossible situations. I don’t really have big names, everyday simple things around me inspire me.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX AND RECHARGE?
Touring allows me to recharge, the beautiful cities and special places I go. I also love being at church – it relaxes, connects, and uplifts me. Spending time with my husband also relaxes me.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR FOLLOWERS AND FANS?
It’s hard to say anything during these times because things have become quite hard with the pandemic. I feel that my words won’t make much of a difference – but I feel I should say this either way – don't give up, keep fighting. I wish I could share the little fight I have inside of me, that little flame I have.
NOMFUSI: HEALING THROUGH HER GIFT
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
October 11, 2021
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
October 11, 2021
Rating:
