Noluthando Ngema was recently nominated for the Basadi in Music x Nando’s New Emerging Artist of the Year 2023. We chatted to her about what the nomination means to her…
Noluthando grew up in Ballito and still considers the Dolphin Coast her home. “I grew up singing in school choirs and school talent shows,” she says. “When I was a teenager, I started singing in the church and that hasn’t stopped.”
When it comes to her musical career says she is following her dream. She started a YouTube channel two years ago as a means to share her music. “I thought that that would be the best way for people to get to know me and all of the facets that come with being a human,” she explains.
THE NOMINATION
Noluthando has been nominated for the Basadi in Music x Nando’s New Emerging Artist of the Year 2023. “Out of the five of us that have been nominated, I am the only one from KZN. So, I want to make us proud and bring this award home,” she says.
If she wins, she will be granted a scholarship to the Bridges for Music Academy in Cape Town, and will be mentored by one of South Africa’s best artists and her personal hero, Msaki. “I would also have the opportunity to record at the Nando’s Flames Studio in Constitutional Hill, as well as network with the leading people in our South African entertainment industry.”
A DREAM FOR THE FUTURE
“I want to continue to learn from the greats in this industry so that I not only have relevance but longevity in my career,” says Noluthando. “I want to continue on this trajectory of making music that reflects the beauty humanity – with all of our emotions, complexities, and needs. I want to continue to make music that shows that hope is available and accessible.”
HOW TO VOTE
To vote for Noluthando, SMS “Emerging Noluthando Ngema” to 49960. You can vote as many times as you would like and SMSs are R2 each.
Voting closes on the 24th of July 2023.
The winner will be announced on 12 August 2023 and you can stream it on YouTube.
