Xhanti Nokwali

Xhanti Nokwali's music combines the diverse sounds of Southern Africa, showcasing a versatile voice and embracing a lyrical artistry that resonates with the values of abantu. This is an attempt to connect with Africa's diverse tapestry of ancestry and knowledge. His efforts aim to acknowledge the sacrifices made for our freedom, encouraging listeners to explore realms of healing and imagination through his art.

“The arts industry in South Africa has long been linked to the
Pan-African ideology, with a strong emphasis on activism. Art is a powerful tool for exposing the status quo and offering new ways of being. This is the foundation of my inspiration for creating music, content, and events. As a dedicated creative, I strive to speak truthfully about our struggles and highlight the importance of preserving our cultures and traditions”

After a successful collaboration with Itai Hakim in Gqeberha, Xhanti recently showcased his highly anticipated performance of Umthombo in key South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. Throughout the tour, he introduced a unique performance style that emphasizes his exploration of indigenous instruments. Audiences can look forward to Nokwali delivering another unforgettable performance at this year's Fete de la Musique Festival in Joburg and at the Music Imbizo in Durban as he builds momentum for the next project.

Xhanti made his debut with a series of singles on Bandcamp in 2020 and 2021. This led to the release of the first single, "Intlokomo," featured in the recent Netflix film 'Banyana Ba Style,' followed by 'Ezeyeza.' The latter single reflects the challenges faced by South African natives in adjusting to democracy.

Produced by the globally acclaimed pianist Nduduzo Makhathini and recorded at ECAVC studios in East London, Xhanti's work is published through ALTBLK>>, an organization founded by Msaki. The fusion of isingqi and jazz plays a central role in narrating Xhanti's life story, his strong ties to rural life, and the influence of iintsomi, tales shared by his mother. The album showcases top South African musicians, including Asher Gamedze on drums, Bali Ntunja on guitar, Tumi Pheko on trumpet, Amandla Zamxaka on alto sax, and Sakhile Twala on bass.

Xhanti Nokwali is actively engaged in nationwide travel, creating organic momentum through his foundation. He fosters collaborations across the industry with projects such as Classic Calabash (by the Cape Town Music Academy), Embo Festival (by the City of Joburg), Owning Our Living Heritage (a research initiative by Abantu Development Agency), and Umculo Sisininzi Documentary (by Fika Create).

Xhanti Nokwali is a musical storyteller, creating new realities influenced by time spent ezilalini, South African jazz, folk, and maskandi. This fusion creates a rich sonic tapestry that resonates with our contemporary experiences.