Latest news with #VusiNova
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Heartfelt ‘Promises': Vusi Nova talks heartbreak anthem, upcoming album and bold vision
Vusi Nova dropped a new heartbreak anthem for those healing from broken relationships, showcasing his matured vocal control. The musician said his record label, Nova Sounds, is well on its way to being a force to be reckoned with. He is set to release a new album on 25 July while making his black-tie intimate concerts an annual tradition. With his smooth, velvety voice, Vusi Nova has arguably cemented his place as the ballad king of South African music. The acclaimed artist is back with his latest single, Phendula, available on all digital platforms. The track serves as an ode to those healing from broken hearts, masterfully capturing the intoxicating magic of falling deeply in love before experiencing the crushing weight of heartbreak – complete with all the regrets, lingering moments, and unanswered questions that follow. Never one to shy away from delivering music that allows audiences to fully immerse themselves emotionally, the musician reflects on how far he's travelled since his early recording days. 'It's all about tapping into those emotions and actually, in a way, reliving painful moments. Also, I think with time, my voice has matured, and I'm able to control it more and play with it to express a feeling,' he explains. Born Vusimuzi Nongxa, the artist successfully transitioned from R&B and neo-soul to Afro-pop, achieving breakthrough success with albums like Naninina. His reputation rests on heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals that seamlessly incorporate his Xhosa cultural heritage. 'Singing in isiXhosa and English has always been natural for me, and it's never been a problem. Coming from GQ has made this even easier because that is how we speak. We are flexible; we flow easily from English to isiXhosa. It's what I've been able to capture in my music,' he says. Nova's approach is instinctive when asked about his process for determining which personal experiences are ready to become songs versus those requiring more emotional processing time: 'It's never something I consciously think about – it happens naturally. Obviously, some situations linger longer in your mind and feel almost urgent.' In a previous 2023 interview with News24, Nova revealed he had finally built up the courage to pursue a long-held dream: launching his own record label. While the South African music scene isn't short of such ventures, Nova was convinced his approach would be different due to the genuine intention behind it. 'When I started singing, there was no one there to hold my hand and show me the way, leading me in the right direction. So, it took me much longer to establish myself because I had to fight and fight and fight with no support,' he reflected at the time. Now well on his way to making his vision bigger and better, Nova explains: 'I've always been passionate about unearthing raw talent, so for me, it was a natural decision to have my own platform where I could do this. I also feel that being an artist myself is an advantage for my artists, and I understand what artists truly need.' The musician achieved another milestone with his first solo intimate show at Emperors Palace Centre Court on 1 May, featuring an impressive lineup including Kelly Khumalo, Nathi Mankayi, Zuko SA, Kwanda, 047, BusiGold, Ssips, and Stu. 'My black-tie event was the first one I organised myself, and it was both challenging and incredibly eye-opening. I plan on making it an annual event with the goal of taking it to even bigger venues,' he shares. Reflecting on industry realities, Nova notes: 'This industry teaches you to be very thick-skinned and to expect anything and everything. Also, not everything is worth commenting on.' He shared his plans and said more music was coming: 'My album is set to drop on 25 July 2025, and it will be called Promises. 'Making Nova Sounds a force to be reckoned with is the plan, and we're already well on our path.'
News24
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Vusi Nova on turning pain into art in new single, Phendula - ‘The hurt was raw'
No soulful sound is too tough for him to crack. For over ten years now, Vusi Nova has flexed his musical his 2013 debut album, Walk Into Light and his 2014 work of art, Did It For Love, he cemented himself as a profound vocalist in the mainstream music space. By the time he released Naninina, which was his third album, he had all of us sitting down attentively through Ndikuthandile and Thandiwe. From there, he's given us As'phelalanga and many other chart toppers, such as gospel song with Dumi Mkokstad, Yibanathi. The award-winning musician is now back with a milestone-marking love song, Phendula. Read more | GIG GUIDE | Vusi Nova to host his first ever one-man show with elegance and class 'Phendula is an ode to those healing from a broken heart, it captures the magic of falling deeply in love and then being heartbroken - the regrets, moments, and questions. Phendula was inspired by real heartbreak - those painful moments when love lets you down again and again. It's about turning that pain into something beautiful and healing through music,' Vusi Nova says. He adds that the song is an intimate ballad that has already won the hearts of his fans since the release of the teaser a few weeks ago. 'I want people listening to the song and that have been heartbroken to feel understood and validated, like someone finally put their heartbreak into words. Even in the sadness, I hope they find comfort and strength, knowing they're not alone,' Vusi Nova adds. When writing the lyrics of the song, he admits to having been deep in his feelings. 'The hurt was raw, but I turned pain into art. I'm healed, stronger, and proud of turning struggle into something beautiful.' Over the years, his sound has evolved from just being crudely raw, stripped-down, with just him and his emotions, figuring it out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vusi Nova (@vusinova1) 'Now my sound is richer and more layered but still keeping that realness. I feel it's all growth without losing the soul.' Despite the new waves of sound taking over the music industry, he remains true and consistent to his own. 'It's the sound of my story, my people's struggles, and our joy. Raw, unfiltered, human, my roots and my realness. Afro-soul isn't just music, it's medicine. When fans say it mends their heart. That's the mission. It has the power to heal. The genre bends but never breaks, and there's room to fuse tradition with tomorrow. That's freedom, and that keeps me motivated.' Read more | Vusi Nova's 'Okuncinci' sets the tone for love this February His journey has pivoted him into owning a recording label of his own as well, Nova Sounds, which houses upcoming artists in the Afro-pop and Afro-soul fraternity. 'Running my label has been liberating but wild at the same time. I like building a plane while flying it. More control, more headaches, but zero regrets. Every win hits deeper 'cause it's yours. I've been making money moves – funding projects while staying independent is a hustle. It comes with wearing all hats – From A&R to promo, the grind never stops. I've had to break through gatekeepers without major backing. However, the highlights are having creative freedom – dropping music my way, no compromises. Helping other artists shine fuels me. And the small wins have been rewarding.' Thus far, his highlight for the year has not only been hosting his first solo show – The Black Tie which he intends to turn into an annual project but also watching his artists drop albums and singles, watching them soar, and gifting the streets with more music feels great.
TimesLIVE
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Vusi Nova among stars for Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert this weekend
Afro-pop singer Vusi Nova is set to ignite the stage at the Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert this weekend. Remoakantse Holdings has officially announced the return of the musical showcase on Saturday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. Judith Sephuma, Ringo Madlingozi, Afropop heavyweights Mafikizolo and Bongo Maffin, Jaziel Brothers, Presss and Vusi Nova are scheduled to perform. Somizi Mhlongo will hold down the mic as MC. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Vusi Nova, who is gracing the concert stage for the third time, couldn't hide his excitement. 'There's something magical about the Gauteng Soul and Jazz Concert. It's not only a show; it's a gathering of hearts through music. I'm honoured to be part of a line-up that celebrates who we are as South Africans through soul, rhythm and unity' he said.
The South African
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Vusi Nova's releases new single 'Phendula'
Vusi Nova has done it again. The Afro-soul maestro dropped his latest single, Phendula , on Friday, 13 June, and it's already making waves across South Africa. This heartfelt ballad is a balm for anyone nursing a broken heart. It captures the raw pain of love lost, but also the hope and healing that follow. Vusi Nova's music has always been real and relatable, his sound is a unique blend of soul-stirring lyrics, smooth vocals, and gentle melodies. Phendula stays true to that signature style but feels even more intimate and vulnerable, according to Entertainment SA. The song dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster of falling in love, facing heartbreak, and asking the tough questions that come with it. ' Phendula was inspired by real heartbreak – those painful moments when love lets you down again and again,' Vusi Nova shared. 'It's about turning that pain into something beautiful and healing through music.' Fans have already embraced the track since the teaser dropped a few weeks ago. Many say it feels like Vusi Nova has finally put their heartbreak into words. 'I want people listening to the song and have been heartbroken to feel understood and validated,' he said. 'Even in the sadness, I hope they find comfort and strength, knowing they're not alone.' When asked about the headspace he was in while writing Phendula , Vusi Nova was candid. 'Then, I was deep in my feelings – hurt, raw, but turning pain into art. Now, I'm healed, stronger, and proud of turning struggle into something beautiful.' His sound has evolved too. 'Back then, my sound was raw and stripped-down, just me and my emotions figuring it out. Now, my sound is richer and more layered, but still keeps that realness. It's growth without losing the soul.' Vusi Nova also opened up about running his own record label. 'It's been liberating but wild. I like building a plane while flying it. More control means more headaches, but zero regrets. Every win hits deeper because it's yours.' He described the hustle of funding projects independently in South Africa's competitive music scene. 'I've had to break through gatekeepers without major backing. Wearing all hats – from A&R to promo – the grind never stops.' Yet, the freedom to create without compromise keeps him going. 'Dropping music my way and helping other artists shine fuels me. The small wins have been incredibly rewarding.' This year has been a big one for Vusi Nova. 'Hosting 'The Black Tie' – my first solo show – felt like magic. I'm turning it into an annual vibe. Watching artists on my label drop albums and singles this summer and seeing them soar is amazing. It feels great to give the streets more music.' His passion for Afro-soul remains strong. 'It's the sound of my story, my people's struggles, and our joy. Afro-soul isn't just music – it's medicine. When fans say it mends their hearts, that's the mission.' He believes the genre is flexible yet unbreakable. 'There's room to fuse tradition with tomorrow. That's freedom, and that keeps me motivated.' With Phendula , Vusi Nova has once again proven why he's a voice for the heartbroken and a beacon of hope for many South Africans. This single is a healing journey set to music. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Germiston music fans dazzle at star-studded music show
Less than a minute Obedience MKhabela Less than a minute On Workers' Day, hundreds of music fans gathered at the Emperors Palace's Centre Court for a Black Tie event featuring top artists. Attendees at the Nova Sounds event enjoyed an evening of rhythm and elegance while listening to performances by the night's stars, Vusi Nova, Kelly Khumalo, and Nathi Mankayi. ALSO READ: Music fans come together for an extravaganza Matlakala Segole of Germiston, and Penny and Thulani Sishanye were among the music enthusiasts who dressed to impress for the Nova Sounds Black Tie event. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
