Ntlokoma Masangwana: Building a sonic legacy amid life and work

Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Ntlokoma is the youngest of four siblings. A Bachelor of Arts graduate from the University of the Free State, he describes music as his innate calling. “It’s the one thing I was born to do, although I still balance a 9-to-5 job,” he said. “I wake up every day, go to work, come back, record myself on my phone, and I write songs whenever I get the time.”

His musical journey began with Methodist Xhosa hymns, but it was exposure to peers experimenting with original songs that inspired him to write his first composition at the age of 12. “I didn’t know you could sing your own thing until I met a group of people who made up their own songs in a way that made musical sense,” he said.

Balancing work and music

While Ntlokoma would like to pursue music full-time, he believes that maintaining a career outside of music provides balance. “Having a job eases the pressure,” he said. “With music alone, there’s a lot of waiting, studio time, song completion, release dates, audience reception, bookings, and payments. Mentally, I wouldn’t have been able to cope if music was the only thing I had.”

Ntlokoma cites Simphiwe Dana as a key influence, noting her patience and commitment to her craft. “I don’t rush music anymore. Sometimes I write two lines and put a song aside until the creativity is there. Dana reinvents herself while staying true to her art, that’s a skill I deeply respect.”

He also admires Zahara’s honesty in songwriting, which has informed his own approach. “Her transparency inspired me to be truthful in my music,” he said.

Ntlokoma incorporates metaphors into his music while aiming for relatability. He alternates between conversational and more formal Xhosa, seeking to educate as well as entertain. “I’m currently reading a Xhosa book to deepen my understanding. I want to archive aspects of the language in music that people can engage with, even if they no longer read or speak IsiXhosa widely,” he said.

For young artists entering the industry, Ntlokoma emphasises preparation, professionalism, and financial literacy. “Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor. Don’t wait to be discovered, you need a backup plan. Understand your contracts, educate yourself, and protect your mental health. There are vultures out there, and artists are vulnerable.”

Looking ahead, Ntlokoma is focused on completing his current compositions. “I don’t have a detailed plan yet. The songs need to be recorded first. Once they’re ready, I will think about releasing them,” he said. He hopes his work will serve as a sonic foundation for other artists to follow.

Through a careful balance of creativity, discipline, and reflection, Ntlokoma Masangwana is steadily shaping his own musical identity while contributing to the wider South African music landscape.