Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING musician Novuyo Seagirl, widely recognised for her infectious house music, has revealed that she is exploring new sonic territory, blending Afro-pop and jazz into her signature style.
Seagirl was among the standout female performers, who lit up the stage at the recent Bulawayo Arts Festival (Baf) Imbokodo concert — an event dedicated to celebrating and empowering women through music. During her dynamic 30-minute set, she not only delivered her fan-favourite Imbokodo but also offered audiences a preview of her upcoming EP, I’m Not Just a House Girl.
“I performed several songs from my catalogue, including my latest single Amalangabi. The band and I preserved the essence of the songs, except for Imbokodo, which received an Afro-house remix by Tapiwa and Simbai,” she said.
Performing with a live band brought a new dimension to her music, allowing Seagirl to creatively merge Afro-pop and jazz influences with her well-established house beats.
“The fusion of genres unlocked a side of my music I hadn’t fully explored. It was liberating and brought a fresh energy to the stage. The crowd’s response was incredible and reminded me of the power music has — to unite people,” she shared.
While house music remains her artistic foundation, Novuyo is eager to push creative boundaries. She revealed that she has always admired Afro-pop and jazz, particularly as many of her peers in artistic circles are experts in those genres. Their influence inspired her to step out of her comfort zone and use the Baf platform to experiment by infusing her set with elements of Afro-jazz.
“I’ve always loved jazz — it’s such a beautiful genre that allows you to pour out your heart and express yourself in a deeply emotional and universal way. I have friends who are into jazz, and I’ve often attended their rehearsals and gigs, so I had a good idea of what’s required to pull off a live set with that jazz touch. I seized the opportunity at Baf, and the result was something I truly enjoyed.”
The Imbokodo concert was a vibrant celebration of female talent from Bulawayo, featuring acts such as Matojeni Melo Maniacs, Lemoniq, Luchi Shiki, Albinism Konnect Band and Wecre8te. For Novuyo, the experience was both transformative and unifying.
“Baf always creates a powerful sense of community and joy between artistes and fans. Sharing the stage with so many talented women felt magical — like we were part of a collective story, celebrating resilience and creativity.”
After spending time in Victoria Falls as part of the Simunye: The Spirit of Africa production, Seagirl is back in Bulawayo, creatively recharged and eager to share her new experiences.
“My stay in Victoria Falls was a spiritual awakening. I was reminded that apart from music, I’m also a dancer and an actress, as my role in Simunye required me to embrace all these elements.”
Seagirl played a multifaceted role in the production, contributing as both a composer and performer.
“It was an eye-opening experience. It allowed me to tap into my natural artistic abilities in ways I hadn’t done before,” she said.
Her time in the resort city also saw her exploring the world of broadcasting with a stint at Breeze FM.
“It was a lovely experience. I’ve always wanted to be on radio, and this gave me the chance to do just that.”
She is now focused on producing new music and is looking forward to performing at more local shows.
