- country:South Africa
- style(s):South African, World
- label:Universal South Africa
- type:Band
- artist posted by:Jazzhaus Records / Delicious Tunes
Line up
- Gabriel Mawande Stuurman (keyboard)
- Harald Reitinger (keyboard 2)
- Khanyisile Ellen Maphumulo (backing vocals )
- Khola Ezekiel Phalatse (bass)
- Lungile Maduna (drums)
- Mark Williams (guitar, musical director)
- Nomfusi Gotyana (lead vocals)
Links
offWOMEX 13
With a gigantic voice and tons of charm, there is nothing small about the tiny songstress Nomfusi. With sheer will and determination she has risen from the squalor of South African squatter camps to glistening on the stages of the world. Likened by critics to a young Miriam Makeba with a twist of Tina Turner, the multiple SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee embraces both her African heritage as well as the sounds of Soul and Motown she grew up with. Like a purifying wild fire that cuts through the bone, her cathartic performances have been praised across the globe:
"A refreshing blast of energy." - WOMAD, England "An absolute riot to watch and hear." Roots "n Blues Festival, Canada "The best in the overall line-up" - Bushfire Festival, Swaziland Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, calls her "a terrific young artist" and Rolling Stone Magazine describes her as exuding "a deep sensuality and social expansiveness."
Through Nomfusi's triumphant spirit and inner strength, she has inspired many young people by teaching life skills workshops at schools affected by poverty as well as Aids orphanages accross Southern Africa. Sharing her life story through songs like "Nontsokolo" ("I am poverty") and "Kwazibani" (an uplifting song that celebrates the life of her late mother who died of HIV/Aids ) she teaches self-love and encourages African women to redefine their perception of beauty.
Leaving a trail of stardust where usually you will only find the dust of abandoned dreams Nomfusi personifies the impossible made possible.