Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
No doubt, 2024 was a great year for Afro-fusion musician Feli Nandi, and indications are that 2025 will be equally outstanding for the talented artiste.
Born Felistus Chipendo, Feli is celebrated for her dynamic musical style and exceptional fashion sense.
Last year, the “Mubayei”, “Mufudzi Wangu” and “Unotyei” hit-maker became a regular fixture at Doek & Slay events, and successfully staged a nationwide tour.
She secured notable local gigs, including slots at the famed OK Grand Challenge and Chibuku Road to Fame national finals. She also crossed the country’s borders, performing in Germany at the Moto Moto Festival and in the UK.
The founder of Feli Nandi Apparels, a fashion line that showcases her talent in African attire, Feli expanded her entrepreneurial ventures last year as she opened a restaurant, Kwa Nandi, in Harare, specialising in traditional Zimbabwean meals.
This year, she is continuing on that trajectory with plans to release her second studio album, “Ndisiyei” at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare on March 22. The album, which follows her debut, “Izwi” features eight tracks.
Speaking on the upcoming release, Feli’s manager, Connie Mazanhi, said: “The album has eight tracks. It’s quite personal as it’s based on real-life events and true stories, including themes of death and suicide.”
Asked which track is likely to be a hit, Mazanhi said: “All of them are Feli’s favourites, so I can’t quite single out any one.”
She also hinted at collaborations on the album but kept the featured artistes under wraps.
“The album, available from March 22 on all digital platforms, experiments with new sounds and techniques,” she said.
With Feli Nandi now boasting a significant following both locally and internationally, Mazanhi confirmed plans for a nationwide tour.
Feli’s musical journey began in 2018 as a backing vocalist for Mbeu and the Mhodzi Tribe where she honed her craft before launching a solo career in 2020.
Her collaboration with Trevor Dongo on the single “Mufudzi WeMombe” was a pivotal moment that propelled her into the spotlight.
Influenced by legendary Zimbabwean artistes such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo and Chiwoniso Maraire, Feli Nandi’s music seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary sounds.
Her powerful vocals and emotive lyrics often explore themes of love, resilience and cultural pride.
Peter Tanyanyiwa