Singer Nhlonipho is ready for his time in the spotlight
“I feel that it is time for me to step into my calling. A calling that I knew I had but I was too busy with others.”
The years spent behind the scenes for the producer/musician, Nhlonipho, are finally paying off. His most recent signing as an artist with Vth Seasons is proof of it, and sees the 30-year-old explore his artistry with a myriad of projects lined up.
Leaving his home country in 2015 to pursue musical studies in South Africa, Nhlonipho’s musical dreams are close to becoming a reality.
And while many only got to know the name Nhlonipho of late, the eSwatini born muso has been at it as early after his graduation, in 2017. For years thereafter, the muso worked with high profiled names such as Unathi Nkayi and Samthing Soweto among others, before moving onto the production scene of the industry.
But as someone who has as strong choral background, the singing itch could not be ignored.
“I’ve always been exposed to music. My mother was a music teacher, so from as early as primary school she started teaching us music. In high school, I did my first tenor solo project in a choral competition and won it in the year 2010. I worked with Vth Season as a producer and the agency published my music for about 2 years. Now, with this new partnership, we are focused on the artist and the essence of who I am and have been all my life,” said the Music Production graduate.
For years, he said he prioritized other musicians over his deepest desires but the sacrifice allowed him the opportunity to learn about the art of music, and that has prepared him for the now. A strategic solo career that is focused.
“I feel that it is time for me to step into my calling. A calling that I knew I had but I was too busy with others. Back then, I was just happy that artists would come to me to work with me, and then I just focused on growing. Now I think I am ready for my work/music to be at the forefront.
“I think if I had started with my own music first, I wouldn’t be where I am in terms of production. The journey that I took behind the scenes prepared me to be here today, I am equipped better. I have benefited from the people that I worked and walked with. I learnt so much when it comes to performance, songwriting and about handling yourself within the industry. I really appreciate that part of my journey,” he said.
The muso has also been co-nominated for a Metro FM award, under the Best House Song, for a feature on Mthandazo Gyta’s song Sizobambana.
Nhlonipho has recently worked with Robot Boii, Mthandazo and MandzNotHot as a producer and featured artist, flexing his limitless talents, and also worked with the acclaimed former duo Black Motion, Ami Faku and Black Coffee, amongst many other artists.
About joining Vth Season as an artist, he said: “I have honestly found a home at Vth, and I love the fact that we understand the vision and are working toward the same goal,”.
He is currently working on an album, and with a lot of songs to choose from – Nhlonipho is sifting through music that will be suitable as his first ever solo offering.
“I am 65% done with the album but I want it to be perfect. I know that this will be work that will speak to the people and set me up as exactly the artist that I want to be perceived as,” he said excitedly.
And with no family whatsoever in Joburg, Nhlonipho has gone to create his own family ties with his friends who have formed a big part of his life.
“I have been blessed to have made strong connections with people like Mthandazo Gatya and many others who have become family,” he said.
Nhlonipho will be officially introduced to the label at Afro-Soul Sessions on April 15 at the Marcellus Theatre, Emperors Palace.
Connect with Nhlonipho:
Facebook: Nhlonipho Dlamini
Twitter: @nhlonipho_lihle
Instagram: @nhlonipho_lihle