Nelisa

PROFILE

Full Name: Nelisa Mdleleni
Stage Name: Nelisa
Nationality: South African

Nelisa is an accomplished Afro-soul, Jazz and Traditional Rhythms artist known for her soulful vocals and captivating songwriting With a career spanning over six years as a solo artist, with more than 8 singles, an E.P and one full length album released, Nelisa has garnered a dedicated fan base around the world.

Born and bred in East London, South Africa, her love for music and performing arts started at a tender age when she was introduced into music, dance and drama. Nelisa has always been fascinated by music as she grew up singing at church and school choirs. Her unique blend of music which she sings mostly in isiXhosa (her native language) has set her apart in the industry earning her a nomination for ‘Best IsiXhosa Artist’ at the South African Traditional Music awards (SATMA) 2022. A year before that, 2021 she successfully hosted her own show at the National Arts Festival Fringe in Makhanda where she performed at the Guy Butler Theatre with a live band.

In addition to her solo work which has seen her release her full length album in 2023 tilted ‘Kwelemimoya’ which features prominent artists such as Luyolo Lenga and Simphiwe Botile, Nelisa has also collaborated with other prominent artists, such as DJ Mnce, DJ Moa, Lush By The Way and others. She has also performed as a Lead vocalist for Live Bands.
‘Kwelemimoya’ is a 13 track album with all songs written and co-produced by her. The album is a fusion of Jazz, Traditional rhythms and Afro Soul.

Whether it’s through her poignant soulful sounds or high energy traditional rhythms, Nelisa continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, inspiring audiences and fellow musicians alike with unparalleled artistry.