Dhahabu

Qondea Avril Mkansi – Also known as Dhahabu - is
a multifaceted South African artist whose work spans
music, theatre, writing, and education. Born in
Limpopo and raised on the rhythms of her homeland,
she began performing at the age of 10 and has since
built a vibrant, dynamic career in the arts. Her
musical roots are deeply embedded in a fusion of
African sounds, rock, and folk — a journey that led
her to spend nine years developing and coining her
own genre: Afro Art Rock (AAR). This genre is a bold
fusion that challenges traditional classifications,
blending Afrocentric and Eurocentric elements to create a sound that is both deeply
personal and universally resonant.
Qondea studied Musical Theatre at Tshwane University of Technology, where she honed
her skills as a performer, composer, and storyteller. Over the years, she has performed in
more than 20 theatre productions, many of which she has also written and directed. Her
work on stage showcases her powerful presence and commitment to telling meaningful,
impactful stories.
She has toured extensively within South Africa, performing at renowned festivals such as
Up the Creek Festival, Selective Live, Reforest Festival, Meropa Jazz Festival, BIG Folk
Africa, and many more. Her performances are known for their originality, emotional depth,
and magnetic energy.
In addition to performing, Qondea is a skilled songwriter and music producer who creates
and produces much of her own music. She completed the Beyond Busking Programme
with the Cape Town Arts Festival and a professional songwriting course through the Cape
Town School of Songwriting. She also completed a comprehensive four-year music
teaching programme with ASSITEJ South Africa and the Western Cape Government.
As a passionate educator, Qondea has been teaching music to the intermediate phase for
several years, where she uses her knowledge to empower young learners through rhythm,
melody, and creativity. She is also the founder and managing director of KIDS Theatre, a
youth-focused initiative that makes performing arts accessible to children from
marginalized communities.

Currently working on her debut EP, Qondea continues to push boundaries in music and
theatre while staying rooted in her passion for authentic storytelling, soulful performance,
and social impact.