Nokubonga ‘Jolakazi’ Jikwana has always carried her Xhosa roots. From the Eastern Cape, she carries them wherever she goes, even here in the City of Gold.

With her second EP, Ndibizwa Embo, she offers a heartfelt reminder for people to know who they are. The five-track project dropped earlier this year and is now streaming across all major platforms.

Through the EP, Jolakazi opens up a conversation, a layered set of thoughts that explore identity, culture, and faith.

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“I love embracing my culture. I’ve noticed that many young people are drifting away from it, and I believe it’s important for us to understand where we come from, even down to knowing our clan names. As a young person myself, I felt compelled to encourage others my age to reconnect with their traditions, so we don’t lose sight of our roots.”

Her stage name, Jolakazi, comes from her Majola clan names, and the whole EP lives that truth. However, one song that’s catching attention is the love track, Uthando Zizenzo. She opens up about it with simple honesty. “Love is a doing word.”

She said the song speaks to a wide range of listeners and their different experiences of love. “Love can come from many places. From your parents, from what you’ve seen in relationships, or even through the people around you. For me, I see it in my sister, my partner, and my friends. I’ve come to understand that love is something you do. It’s shown through actions, not just words, and it’s not always about money.”

She is usually known for Afro-soul and Afro-pop, but for this track she teamed up with Zipho ‘DJ Teddy’ Sigcau on a house production.

She saw it as an opportunity to step outside her usual sound and showcase her versatility as an artist, proving she can adapt and thrive across different genres. “I enjoy giving other artists opportunities through collaborations, and this one felt right for me to consider. It’s a beautiful three-step song.”

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After studying information technology systems development at Boston City Campus, and completing her qualification, Jolakazi hit the same wall so many young people know too well.

“I couldn’t get a job.” So, she sat down with her family and had a real talk. She told them she wanted to lean fully into what she does best, singing. Their support gave her the push she needed, and now that decision has brought her to this second EP, produced with heart by DJ Teddy. Before that, she had already discovered her ability to hit the high notes.

“During my studies, I used to attend music classes and I really enjoyed them. I would sing for producers and DJs who were still learning, and whenever they were working on projects, I’d ask to be part of it as a vocalist. That’s when my love for music was cemented. I told myself, ‘Let me finish my diploma first, and then focus fully on music afterwards’.”

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