Nobuhle delights fans with two singles “Ng’funa Wena” and “Ng’zfela Ngawe”

“Ng’funa Wena and Ng’zfela Ngawe are my latest offerings, not just one but two track surprises that I put together for my fans. I am doubly excited about this release, because of my involvement in the production/composition phase as a vocalist as well as my guitar skills gliding over the Ng’funa Wena and Ng’zfela Ngawe. In a male-dominated industry, my vision and mission is to advocate for women in music who have little to no representation.”

She described Ng’funa Wena as a “meticulously” crafted Afro-Pop groove. “Ng’funa Wena is like a combination of Caribbean influenced sounds, infused with my Afro Pop feel. I took time to write and finalise the song before I met with my producer – pouring my heart out melodically and then when meeting with my producer; we carefully laced my guitar progressions. It was a carefully crafted composition because I stepped into a side of music that I did not before- working on the beat and chord progressions,” she explains.

Highlighting her involvement in the production for Ng’funa Wena she explained it as groundbreaking in an industry where female producers are rare. She elaborates on her role in the production and how she is championing young women in the music circuit.

“My role in music production ranges from vocals to guitar playing but this time with my new singles, Ng’funa Wena and Ng’zfela Ngawe I played a more active role in selecting the sounds, melodies, Synthesiser and so forth, which is a rare skill for women. Being a woman who spearheads her gigs, music and content overall, I would like to introduce the idea to women, that we are capable of even more than this. If young girls and women, would see something they can relate to, and even think that they too can achieve then we are one step closer to winning the fight.”

The visuals for the two singles will be released this December. “I have begun scouting locations with my director. From my personal experience, encapsulating visuals has always been an integral part of my music craft and offering and from my last music video (2023 featuring a Spanish Collaboration, myself and Karla Grunewaldt) I plan on keeping the same standards and reaching higher. It is the only reason that our music video went viral for weeks. Uncompromised quality,” says Nobuhle.

Her music journey began in 2017 with Isigubhu. She says since then her sound has evolved and matured. Adding that she learned from an early stage the importance of collaborating and the scramble for worldwide reach. She has collaborated with artists from South Africa, West Africa, Angola, South America, Malawi and the Democratic of Congo.

“The culture exchange is my focal point as to why I collaborate- being able to share cultures, and experiences is the bulk of it and reaching a wider/new audience. Because of technology and how it has advanced, we’re able to work from different parts of the world. Although, most of my collaborations are in person- I have done some virtual work.”

“My most recent collaboration with Spanish Singer, Karla Grunewaldt was beautiful as we met for the first time, on her trip to South Africa, in partnership with World of Music, Arts and Dance. Karla and I were just like a match made- and our synergy too was unmatched.”

She says with collaborations, a cultural exchange is where the magic happens. “From the meeting point to getting the work done and released. A relationship and memories, formed and that can never be taken away.”

In June she released a single titled “Hold On” described as an emotionally charged Afro-Pop and mid-tempo love song. “Hold On, unlike “Ng’funa Wena” and “Ng’zfela Ngawe” is an English sung, Afro Pop song, which was expected of me by my fans. However, “Ng’funa Wena” and “Ng’zfela Ngawe” are sung in isiZulu. I wanted to release something that would keep me in touch with my brothers and sisters in South Africa, more than my need for pan-African/global reach. I pay mind to my target market- which consists mostly of South African, West African and recently Spanish.”

“I travelled to Nigeria for the award show and met with African musicians who I later collaborated with. That trip opened my mind to the endless opportunities, and after I collaborated with Karla- the South African Arts and Culture department and World of Music, Arts and Dance awarded me the opportunity to travel to South America and the UK in February of 2024 to tour my collaboration with Karla Grunewaldt.”

In 2020 she released her debut album Concealed.Revealed under her label Nobuhle. “On ‘Ng’funa Wena’ and ‘Ng’zfela Ngawe,’ I want listeners to follow me on a musical journey — groovy songs that are equally beautiful melodically. If listeners are new, they will be introduced to my musical world, but if they trace back from where I started, the journey is also one to watch for,” says Nobuhle.

Stream Ng’funa Wena and Ng’zfela Ngawe.