The lovely Nokwazi is a talented South African house and Afro-soul artist. Perhaps she is the infamous, talented vocalist who spends two decades backing up stars such as Brenda Fassie and Rebecca Malope. Nonetheless, she finally came into the spotlight when she featured on Heavy K’s hits ‘Inde lendlela‘ and ‘Sweetie‘. Given such an interesting background, let’s explore the Nokwazi Biography.’
Nokwazi’s Profile Summary
Real Name: Nokwazi Dlamini
Stage Name: Nokwazi
Gender: Female
Date of birth: 18 July 1978
Place of birth: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
Age: 42 Years
Nationality: South African
Tribe: Zulu
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, backup vocalist
Record Label: Kalawa Jazmee
Where is Nokwazi originally from?
Nokwazi Dlamini, known only as Nokwazi, is a singer, songwriter and former backup vocalist. She was born on 18 July 1978 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Nokwazi lived in Pietermaritzburg for most of her life before relocating to Johannesburg.
Nokwazi’s Early Life and Education
Growing up, Nokwzi was young and naïve to the point of dropping out of school after passing Grade 11. She dropped out of school because she was not interested in education, and she thought it didn’t matter. Looking back, she regrets it, and she had to go back to school at the age of 40. Nokwazi had always aspired to be a singer, and nothing else mattered to her. She sang in church from 10 years of age and singing competitions until she became a backup vocalist.
Career
Nokwazi’s professional career was initiated by Sizwe Zakho in 1996, who noticed her vocal talent and subsequently introduced her to Rebecca Malope. She became Rebecca Malope’s backing vocalist and also acted in her music videos. Later on, she joined the famous gospel group Pure Magic and recorded several songs with them. As a result of having made a name for herself as a backup vocalist, she moved to Johannesburg. In Joburg, Nokwazi’s career skyrocketed and as she went on to back up Brenda Fassie and Chicco Twala. During this period, she worked with Simphiwe Dana, Busi Mhlongo, Thandiswa Mazwai, Bongo Maffin, Simphiwe Dana, Mbongeni Ngema and Duma Ndlovu. In 2013, she finally decided to pursue a solo career.
Music Career of Nokwazi
In 2013 Nokwazi was signed to Kalawa Jazmee by Oskido, and her debut project was The Brothers of Peace’s song ‘Wamuhle’. The song was a hit, and she released her professional debut album titled ‘Ilambu’. Experience and exposure worked wonders for her album, and it was successful. The album featured renowned musicians and producers such as Dr Malinga, Oskido, Dj Maphorisa and Bucie. Moreover, the songs were terrific, especially ‘Insimbi’ and Menzi wenzinto’. Other tracks included on the album are ‘imoto’, Zuma and Sibongile. Nokwazi’s creativeness and versatility made the album a masterpiece with a blend of maskandi, afro-soul, R’n’B and house music.
Watch: Nokwazi – Imoto
Nokwazi further gained popularity when she featured on Heavy K’s song ‘Inde lendlela’ with Bucie. Similarly, she featured on Heavy K’s ‘Sweetie’, which topped charts for several months in 2017 and 2018. Afterwards, her music predominantly became house music. Therefore, she collaborated more with house music artists TNS, Oskido, Mobi Dixon and Prince Bulo.
Watch Heavy K – sweetie.
What did Nokwazi achieve as a backing vocalist?
- Contributing to Rebecca Malope’s influential music and awards.
- Compiling a music piece for the S.A. held ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 with P.J. Powers.
- Contribution to Brenda Vassie’s music and awards
- We collaborate with a U.K. Based Group, Matta Fix (of”Big City Life” fame).
- They perform to a massive audience in foreign places such as Paris, London, Germany and Switzerland.
- I am contributing to Thandiswa MMazai’smusic and awards.
Who is NNokwazi’shusband?
Nokwazi Dlamini is married, but she has refused to reveal who she is married to. She has posted several times on her Facebook page how she misses her husband while on tour, but she has never shown the mystery man. However, she regularly posts four children, and people have since speculated that she is a mother of four at the age of 42.
https://www.facebook.com/695972967118180/posts/2310199715695489/
Are Heavy K and Nokwazi related?
Although they have facial and body similarities, Heavy K and Nokwazi are not related. Indeed, they make a perfect musical production duo, but they do not have biological ties. They are friends and musical partners who have made club bangers. Heavy kk’s name is Sicula, and NoNokwazi’surname is Dlamini. There is no biological connection, but musical connection, and every record they touch turns into gold. Are we going to see more Heavy K and Nokwazi collabos? Time will tell.
What is NoNokwazi’set worth
Over two decades In the music industry has earned Nokwazi a Net Worth of R800 000. ItIt’seally not much, but it’s impressive for someone who was a backing vocalist for 20 years.
Nokwazi makes money from being paid for live shows, guest appearances, music streams, airplay, and YouTube views. Moreover, Nokwazi owns several small businesses, including two restaurants and an annual event called NoNokwazi’sicnic, which boosts her income. Like other artists, during this lockdown period, Nokwazi has been scheduled to perform on virtual platforms.