Interview: South African artist Nomisupasta

Mazwai describes the past year as pivotal, influencing not only her creative outlook but also her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. Personal milestones and a redefined sense of purpose have informed the tone and themes of the forthcoming release, which engages with ideas of identity, renewal and social consciousness. While rooted in African contexts, the work is positioned within a broader global soundscape.

Alongside the album, Mazwai continues to expand her practice beyond music through cultural, wellness and media platforms. From collaborations with international artists to new audio-visual projects and community-focused initiatives in Soweto, her current phase reflects an artist operating across multiple disciplines while remaining grounded in storytelling and social awareness.

We spoke with Nomisupasta about her upcoming album, set for release in February 2026. The album is a body of work executive produced by Thandiswa Mazwai, featuring extensive production from both local and international collaborators.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: How would you summarise your 2025?

NOMISUPASTA: 2025 was humbling and deeply enlightening, a year that recalibrated my relationship with myself and my craft. It brought me back to intention. As an artist and entrepreneur, I made decisions from clarity rather than survival. The shift changed everything.

Were there any particular highlights or milestones?

My biggest milestone was celebrating one full year of sobriety. Sobriety sharpened my mind, deepened my artistry and strengthened my leadership. It’s made my creativity more daring and my business decisions far more strategic. For collaborators and partners, it means I’m operating at my highest level.

Are there any upcoming projects or releases that your fans should be looking forward to?

Yes, my new album, Surrender, which I will launch at Sober Fest 2026 this April in Soweto. I named it Surrender because that was the only way forward. I had to release the life that wasn’t mine — the fear, the paralysis, the version of me that was just going through motions. The music reflects the woman who emerged after I let go, and let God. The album is executive produced by Thandiswa Mazwai, and features Mr. Porter, Rapsody, Madlib, PH Raw X and Robin Fassie. It’s a global sound rooted in awareness, and it’s my boldest work yet.

This album is intentionally crafted for film, TV, and documentary sync, with strong themes of rebirth, identity, city life, movement and political satire — sounds that sit beautifully in both African and global storytelling spaces.

Can you tell us more about your collaboration with Rapsody last year?

Rapsody and I are kindred spirits on a galaxy highway. Our creative chemistry is uncanny — we often find ourselves writing the same truth from different continents. Last year, she travelled to South Africa to support my business SowetoNightOut.tours, to record for her next album, and to reconnect with the spirit of this place. She also sat with June 16 activist Bra Seth Mazibuko to reflect on youth, liberation and the future we are shaping. Together, we created several songs, including Njalo Njalo, produced by Madlib. Working with her is a reminder that hip hop is a global conversation, and Soweto is part of that story.

You recently launched a new podcast – what inspired it, and what can listeners expect?

What You Like is a six-part podcast diving into my writing process — especially the satirical work that people always ask about. It lives on YouTube on the @nomisupasta channel. This season unpacks my upcoming single This Is What You Like, exploring the political absurdities shaping our country, the Madlanga Commission, parliamentary oversight, and global news cycles. It’s a thinking person’s podcast — sharp, witty and unfiltered.

Tell us more about the Sober Festival and the vision behind it?

Sober Fest is a wellness-centred lifestyle festival rooted in community. It brings together a curated health and wellness craft market, diverse food experiences (vegan, halal, vegetarian, traditional), a fully equipped kids zone, comedians, DJs, live music and access to addiction recovery support. It’s a joyful space where families and friends can celebrate wellness. Sober Fest is a strong platform for brand partnerships linked to wellness, health, family, culture, arts, food, fitness, lifestyle and tourism.

Who did you collaborate with on your latest project, and what was that experience like?

For this album I worked with Rapsody’s production team Mr Porter, Teeba Forbes and Victor Gaspar. This team gave us Next Week Tuesday and Njalo Njalo. I have worked with Ph Raw x, Drum Pope and have received beats from 37 Mph, Nexbeat, Ootz not to mention the music that I composed and wrote myself. My sister is Executive Producing. Thandiswa and I are very different in the sense that I am a goal oriented person. Thandiswa is much more interested in process. She is a very patient creator. Besides working with my older sister and the natural dynamics that would occur amongst siblings, we are different when it comes to the journey of creating. My sister surrenders to the music. I thought I had surrendered in life in action but the surrender required for creativity, for honesty, for healing... well I'm just glad I got to surrender to the process under the guise of my guides, my sisters.

Your upcoming single has fans excited. What is it about, and what inspired it?

‘This Is What You Like’ (produced by PH Raw X, featuring Robin Fassie) is satire wrapped in soul. It speaks to a political system that has become more of a hustle than a service. I’m playing with the idea that we see the truth clearly, but prefer the comfort of denial. The provocative title draws listeners in, but once you’re inside the song, you’re confronted with uncomfortable honesty.

How would you describe your musical style or genre, and how has it evolved over time?

This new chapter is Hip Hop Soul, a world where my storytelling, satire and vocals find their sharpest expression. I’ve always moved across genres. Ntate Caiphus Semenya once called me Jazz Pop. I won a SAMA for Best African Alternative. But the truth is my genre is whatever feels honest. With Surrender, I wanted to make music for the people I’d want to hang out with after the show, my community of thinkers, feelers, hip hop lovers, soul diggers and freedom dreamers.  My sound sits comfortably in festival circuits, jazz venues, hip hop stages, contemporary African arts spaces, museum performances and multidisciplinary collaborations.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future, and why?

Sjava, his sound is fresh, textured and deeply expressive. Les Nubians, their music helped me shine into my own identity. Zulumeka, Sho Madjozi, Eminem, Tank and the Bangas — all artists with fearless creative DNA. Here is a listening session done on Kaya FM 95.9 https://youtu.be/ts7WQwcXE54?si=EzAxMqb1CG6T7dNQ