Get to Know Nkonzo ZA, the Rising Star Helping People Connect to their Inner Selves
Rising singer-songwriter Nkonzo ZA’s path is one paved with the foundation of healing and helping others to become one with themselves. Having released his extended play titled Ubizo, the journey continues in the vein of embodying selfless generosity, as expressed in his artistry.
“I’ve always seen myself as a creative and a storyteller. I grew up a creator and a writer in uMzimkhulu, and in my life I found myself surrounded by Maskandi among other sounds that have influenced my music career. Being from emaBhaceni also shaped who I am and who I eventually became as an artist,” Nkonzo said, speaking of his past.
Nkonzo ZA | SUPPLIED
Nkonzo spoke about the importance of filling out the shape of being a Bhaca representative and doing so with pride, sharing the nuance – and the struggle – of belonging to a fringe people who are often overlooked.
“A lot of people don’t really even know Bhaca heritage. They only know that there are Zulu and Xhosa people—but they aren’t aware that many other people exist out there. I’m trying to get it out there and embrace it. I’ve also taken it upon myself to help out other upcoming Bhaca artists to do the same thing,” he said.
Anchored on the overarching theme of being faithful to one’s calling, Nkonzo spoke about what he wished his debut EP would achieve when listened to.
“With Ubizo, it was me aspiring to help other people discover their individual calling. My intention was for listeners to relate to the songs because I made each song to be like an aid. I made the project in such a way that it would be impossible for you to not relate to even at least one song. There’s going to be that one song that will make you tap into that part of you on the inside that resonates. A lot of people walk around with things they’ve been ignoring on the inside, so when you make music that touches that part of them, healing begins,” he said.
Nkonzo ZA | SUPPLIED
Soul-rending and rooted in the realism of a life of struggle most South Africans wake up every morning to face, “Akuvumi” serves as the opus’s lead single. Nkonzo talked about the decision to put out the song while also sharing the glory with his team.
“Teamwork is what made us go with the first single for the album. Sitting down with the people you work with and strategising the next moves. When we looked at “Akuvumi”, we realised that there are a lot of people who go through this kind of situation where there’s nothing in the fridge or on the table, and in that moment their family is looking at them to make a plan. So it definitely isn’t something I’d beat my chest about proudly and call it a one-man thing. I’m blessed to have a team that I work with and who help me make the most of my music,” he said.
Nkonza ZA shared some of his plans for this December concerning his music, particularly his first-ever live show Nkonzo: Live at the Basement.
“My greatest focus at the moment is hosting a live concert, a one-man show in Braamfontein on the 10th of December. I’ll be performing the whole album and I’d like people to experience it. I’ll be coming out with some guests for the show as well,” he said.
Nkonzo ZA | SUPPLIED
For Nkonzo, being of help and a guiding star to those less fortunate than himself is one thing he would like to be remembered for.
“Helping others is something I want to known for. Helping people emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I want my followers to feel like I had an impact in their healing journeys wherever they are. I’d also like to make a mark as someone who helped struggling upcoming artists because I know what it’s like and how difficult it can be while making the climb,” he said.
Music is not the only thing he likes whipping up.
“I’m an outstanding cook. If I’m not in studio, you’ll probably find me in the kitchen. Whether I feel good or not, my go-to place is the kitchen, if not the studio,” he said.
He wrapped up with his greatest musical ambition.
“I see myself at the Grammys and winning myself a couple of them. Should I get there, I feel like that would be the moment where I feel like I’ve done a lot,” he said.