Ncebakazi Manzi

Ncebakazi Manzi is a singer and songwriter based in Johannesburg. As a student in Makhanda in the early 2000s, she shared her music to receptive audiences at the university's open mic scene. Following this burst of creative energy, she focused on activism work and also pursing a career in media while continuing to write songs.

In November 2020, she finally staged her first solo performance accompanied by Urban Village guitarist, Lerato Lichaba and sought-after percussionist, Mpumi “Mama Drum” Nhlapo. That was followed by more performances with Nneka Manzi and Athi-Nangamso Nkopo on vocals, Joseph Mthimunye on bass, Lebo Moleleki on drums and Sbu Malindzisa on keyboard. So far, she has performed at various venues in around Johannesburg such as SBWL Eats in Katlehong, at Phinda Mzala in Westdene and at at the iconic Newtown venue, Niki's Oasis.

Ncebakazi’s music borrows from a range of her musical influences including amagwijo and jazz. Her lyrical content includes critiques about the Marikana massacre, the political elite and anti-Blackness.