Nhlanhla Dube is a superstar in the making

Nonhlanhla Dube (26) from Thembisa is on a musical journey. Nhlanhla, as affectionately known by her fans, attended Ipontshe Primary School and then Jiyana Secondary School. Her focus turned to dramatic arts.

Her career took off in 2007, following her participation in a group project specialising in traditional arts called Happy Hearts, and she was able to pursue her dream of performing on stage like her role model Mama Busi Mhlongo.

Dube enrolled in Thutuka Youth’s training school in 2008, under the watchful eye of Clara Khumalo, the organisation’s founder. Ubiziwe was her first feature film with Clara Khumalo, which was part of the Soweto Arts Festival. Following the production’s performance, Nonhlanhla was named the best actress for the entire production.

Clara Khumalo was nominated for Best Actress and Best Vocalist for her role in another Clara Khumalo production, which premiered at the Market Laboratory in Johannesburg on June 16.

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Dube’s single Amaphupho ft Soul Kulture was well received and is played on popular radio stations like Metro FM, Ukhozi FM and Radio 2000.

“What got me into music was the love I developed for my voice, realising that I had a gift and a good ear for music. “I was firstly inspired by my family. I am from a very musical family. My older sister was into arts as she used to take me with her when she atteded singing practices. I grew under that umbrella until I had an opportunity to join a community organisation that specialised in different categories, and music was one of the art forms that were taught. “One day, I woke up loving Mam Rebecca Malope and Mam Busi Mhlongo’s music. “I would describe my music as Afro-soul, the kind of music that touches the soul. The kind of music that touches on human daily life experiences.
“My creative process is as easy. I listen to the beat produced by the producer and I try to write what I feel. We will go to the booth and then boom, we are done.
“I would love to collaborate with Sjava, Sun- El Musician, Black Coffee, Nduduzo Makhathini, Dj Maphorisa, Zakes Bantwini and Msaki. If I could open a show for an artist, I would love for it to be Black Motion. “I have performed in China, the State Theatre, the National Arts Festival and the Market Theatre. My favourite venues are places that are occupied with fun audiences who appreciate music, such as markets, weddings and corporate gatherings. “I do have upcoming shows. The first one is a virtual show that I will be shooting for May. We are also waiting for the venue’s approval to host my brand with my band. “The internet and social media has offered positive spin offs because we are able to interact with our fans from afar. Soon, I will be dropping my single along with the visuals. I am super excited,” said Dube.

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