Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
BULAWAYO Afro-house and Amapiano artiste Noma Music has embraced her full name, Nomazulu Mguni, as she enters a new chapter of her musical journey with the release of a collaborative single, Awulaleli.
The singer and songwriter, who began her musical journey in 2014 following the death of her mother, said the name change reflected her personal growth, cultural roots and artistic ambitions.
Her latest release features South African musical duo CASS & TUBBY and Thwasa, bringing together diverse creative influences in a song that explores love and relationships.
Nomazulu said the transition from Noma, the name she had used since childhood, to her full name was a personal decision shaped by her experiences over the years.
“The rebrand from Noma to Nomazulu was very personal. Noma was how I started, it was my childhood name, my safe space. But as I grew, especially after everything I’ve been through since 2014, I realised I needed a name that carries my full identity, my roots, my womanhood, and my power,” she said.
She said the name, which she described as meaning Mother of Zulu, represented heritage, strength and grace, while allowing her to express herself more fully as a woman and storyteller.
Her sound remains rooted in house music, particularly tribal house, deep house and 3-Step, while incorporating elements of Amapiano. Her music draws on African rhythms and soulful vocals.
The rebrand coincides with the release of “Awulaleli”, which was inspired by a visit to South Africa, where she met the song’s collaborators.
“Awulaleli came about when I went to South Africa where I was introduced to these marvellous creatives, Cass & Tubby, Beekay SA and Thwasa. I was inspired by the beat that they created and from there I started writing,” she said.
The song explores how outside opinions can influence romantic relationships, urging people to trust their feelings rather than allow others to dictate whom they should love.
“Awulaleli is a love song that says, don’t listen to what other people are saying about who you love, because if you listen to them you will end up alone,” she said.
For Nomazulu, the collaboration also marks a shift towards greater involvement in the creative process, beyond vocal performance.
“This song shows my evolution. I’m not just singing on a beat anymore, I’m co-creating a sound. It blends my Afrohouse roots with modern 3-Step and Tribal elements,” she said.
Beyond the new release, Nomazulu is set to perform at “An Evening with Luchi Shiki”. She also features on Luchi Shiki’s single “Senhliziyo” alongside fellow Bulawayo vocalist Holy Stacey.
Nomazulu said the project offered an opportunity for female musicians to collaborate, showcase their talent and celebrate one another rather than compete for recognition.
“Being part of ‘An Evening with Luchi Shiki’ and featuring on ‘Senhliziyo’ with Holy Stacey means everything to me. Bulawayo has so many talented women, but we rarely get platforms where we celebrate each other instead of competing,” she said.
She said such collaborations could inspire more women to pursue music while creating opportunities for them to perform, develop their skills and advance their careers.
What began as a way of coping with personal loss has since evolved into a professional musical career. Nomazulu said music provided an outlet for her grief before she formally became a recording artiste in 2021.
“I began my musical journey in 2014 when I lost my mother. Music became my comfort, my journal, the only place I could truly express myself. And I became a recording artist in 2021,” she said.
Looking ahead, Nomazulu said she wanted to build a sustainable career that would enable her to support herself through music, create employment and represent Bulawayo beyond the city’s borders.
“Under Nomazulu, my ambition is to make this sustainable. I want to be an artiste who can live off her art, employ others, and represent Bulawayo beyond the city,” she said.
She said consistency, quality releases, a better understanding of the business side of music and collaborations with artistes outside Bulawayo were key to achieving her ambitions.
With “Awulaleli”, Nomazulu is seeking to consolidate her artistic identity while blending African musical influences with contemporary sounds as she works towards a wider audience and a sustainable career.
— Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu
