SA: Nobuhle explores ancestry, healing and identity on ‘IMVULA: REBIRTH’

Rather than functioning as a conventional deluxe edition, REBIRTH expands on the themes of the original project through new collaborations and a blend of contemporary African production, live instrumentation and traditional influences. The 12-track project features artists and producers including Kabza De Small, Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Professor, Essa Kay, Mr Lu, Goon Flavour, Murumba Pitch and Josiah De Disciple.

At the centre of the project is ‘Isigubhu Sika Gogo’, translated as ‘My Grandmother’s Drum’. Nobuhle describes the song as one of the most vulnerable recordings of her career, using it to explore her identity, family history and ancestral connections.

“It’s about identity, memory, my bloodline, and my own self-sacrifice to the world,” says Nobuhle. “It is when I was most vulnerable.”

The themes of survival and purpose continue on ‘Igama’, featuring Mr Lu. The song reflects on the difficulties Nobuhle has experienced while pursuing her career and finding purpose in her life.

“It shows how difficult it has been to be here and continue staying not just alive, but alive with purpose. With ‘Igama’, the name, I am alive.”

Elsewhere, ‘Ithonga’, featuring Goon Flavour, serves as a praise song dedicated to Nobuhle’s community and the strength she draws from her people. ‘Ngibulawa Nguwe’, featuring Murumba Pitch, takes a more personal approach, addressing love and emotional vulnerability.

“It is the first time in my career I have taken a personal relationship complication and turned it into a song.”

The project also features ‘Izintaba’, with Kabza De Small and Young Stunna; ‘Pholisa’, featuring Josiah; ‘Khuleka’, featuring Nkosazana Daughter; and ‘Lillizela’, featuring Professor. Other contributors include Polagor Beatz, Nurogroove, Music Hlonza and Lu.

Across IMVULA: REBIRTH, Nobuhle uses personal experiences and elements of African spirituality to examine the relationship between memory, identity and healing. The project places traditional textures alongside contemporary African sounds, reflecting her development as both an artist and storyteller.

The album closes with ‘Isgubhu Sa Gogo’, an instrumental interlude rooted in traditional musical elements, reinforcing the project's focus on ancestry and spiritual inheritance.

With IMVULA: REBIRTH, Nobuhle extends the story begun with Imvula, presenting a more introspective body of work centred on personal transformation, cultural memory and the search for self.