Uploaded October 2010 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
It's what you've come to expect at Roots and Blues - awe-inspiring world artists whose performances and words fill the air with such honesty and intimacy that they leave your heart full. Such is the power and presence of Nomfusi, a petite South Africa woman with larger than life vocals and an inner light that shines brighter than a supernova.
Nomfusi was born in the township of KwaZhakele in the Eastern Cape, a beautiful but poverty-stricken province in rural South Africa. Her single mother, Kwazibani (translated to "Who knows?" in English) raised her while her father languished in jail for twenty-one years. A domestic worker by day, Kwazibani was also a sangoma (African medicine woman) with a penchant for music.
Nomfusi would accompany her mother over weekends to sangoma rituals (Intlombe) where they would dance and sing for hours. People soon noticed that, just as Kwazibani had special gifts for healing, the little girl too, had an enormous gift. "I was a very hyperactive kid, a real performer. I would sing, dance and drum for hours." She fondly recalls, "One of my earliest memories is my mum playing the drum for me."
Sadly, in 1998, Kwazibani died of AIDS. Summoning super-hero strength that helped to transform her broken heart into a calling that emanates joy and hope in all of her songs, Nomfusi turned her personal tragedy into a message of love that will engulf you. Described as a refreshing blend of Sophiatown (African jazz from the 60's) and classic Motown, Nomfusi's live performances are earning her a following throughout her homeland and on the international circuit. She has been invited for appearances at many prestigious festivals in North America and Europe in 2010 which will, no doubt, further expand her fan base to epic proportions. As Nomfusi shines her light and message of love on the world, soon millions will be listening. Salmon Arm's 18th Annual Roots and Blues Festival.
Visit rootsandblues.ca for more information regarding our next event in August! British Columbia
It's what you've come to expect at Roots and Blues - awe-inspiring world artists whose performances and words fill the air with such honesty and intimacy that they leave your heart full. Such is the power and presence of Nomfusi, a petite South Africa woman with larger than life vocals and an inner light that shines brighter than a supernova.
Nomfusi was born in the township of KwaZhakele in the Eastern Cape, a beautiful but poverty-stricken province in rural South Africa. Her single mother, Kwazibani (translated to "Who knows?" in English) raised her while her father languished in jail for twenty-one years. A domestic worker by day, Kwazibani was also a sangoma (African medicine woman) with a penchant for music.
Nomfusi would accompany her mother over weekends to sangoma rituals (Intlombe) where they would dance and sing for hours. People soon noticed that, just as Kwazibani had special gifts for healing, the little girl too, had an enormous gift. "I was a very hyperactive kid, a real performer. I would sing, dance and drum for hours." She fondly recalls, "One of my earliest memories is my mum playing the drum for me."
Sadly, in 1998, Kwazibani died of AIDS. Summoning super-hero strength that helped to transform her broken heart into a calling that emanates joy and hope in all of her songs, Nomfusi turned her personal tragedy into a message of love that will engulf you. Described as a refreshing blend of Sophiatown (African jazz from the 60's) and classic Motown, Nomfusi's live performances are earning her a following throughout her homeland and on the international circuit. She has been invited for appearances at many prestigious festivals in North America and Europe in 2010 which will, no doubt, further expand her fan base to epic proportions. As Nomfusi shines her light and message of love on the world, soon millions will be listening. Salmon Arm's 18th Annual Roots and Blues Festival.
Visit rootsandblues.ca for more information regarding our next event in August! British Columbia
