Xhanti Nokwali

Bio

Xhanti Nokwali’s music speaks to the many injustices that are a continuous experience for the majority of Africans across the world, it offers collective self reflection, as a way to reconnect with culture and identity, as a step towards universal harmony. The messages within his music are Pan Africanism, identity, culture and that unity is the key for liberation, to unify within and with universal existence. He leans into his vulnerability, using his voice and writing to express his emotions and connection to the heritage of being umXhosa, this is a space of healing which is extended to all who interact with the work.

Xhanti Nokwali is an independent musician based in East London and originates from Engcobo, Entseleni. He was one of the first artists’ to sign with ALTBLK>> a home for unique African independent artists, founded by Msaki, he has shared stages with Madala Kunene, Msaki, Neo Muyanga, BONJ, Vinnie Mak, Umle, Thesis ZA, Zoe Modiga, Qhawekazi and many more.

He first released a series of singles in 2020 and 2021 via Bandcamp, ‘Umthendeleko’, ‘Portal’, ‘Ngxatsho’, ‘Ezinzulwini’ and ‘Ngentseni’ leading to his first single ‘Intlokomo’ - gentle yet piercing eruption and the second single ‘Ezeyeza’ of his debut album ‘Umthombo’ which is an expression of the difficulties South African natives are experiencing with adjusting to democracy. Produced by Nduduzo Makhathini and recorded at the ECAVC studios in East London, the fusion of isingqi and jazz are central in telling a story that is a representation of Xhanti's upbringing, his deep connection to the rural space and the influence of iintsomi told by his mother. Featuring some of South Africa’s finest musicians, Asher Gamedze on drums, Bali Ntunja on guitar, Tumi Pheko on trumpet, Amandla Zamxaka on sax and Sakhile Twala on bass. Umthombo (a water spring) breaks through so much of the earth before it can be of aid to people: this is what Xhanti hopes to achieve with his sound.

Xhanti Nokwali continues to build and cultivate an arts community that can broaden its wings around the globe.

Follow Xhanti on the Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xhanti_nokwali/

Watch/Listen:
Live at The Black Power Station (2022): https://youtu.be/Ix_ztZirpKE
Live for DiscovrTV (2022): https://youtu.be/V_R8MJyeRLM
‘Intlokomo’ live at Joburg Theatre Arts Alive (2021): https://youtu.be/mtXIozrOgk8
Bandcamp: https://odwanokwali.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8HwCKcctMIdHt36UT2djw

Contact: Xhanti Nokwali
P: +27 (0) 79 598 9590
E: ox.nokwali@gmail.com

ALTBLK>> Contact: Nonceba Ntintili
P: +27 (0) 74 368 6353
E: nonceba@altblkcontinua.com...

Photos

Gigs

ZAEast London, South Africa
In operation since: 
2013

Followers (5)

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