Metro FM Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Nontokozo Mkhize Parades Her Success and Journey as the Work of God’s Grace
Born and raised in the township of Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, award-winning singer-songwriter Nontokozo Mkhize may have spread her wings and taken a leap of faith into the solo career pipeline only recently, but her year-long exploits have already won her enviable acclaim. A worthy recipient of plaudits from industry contemporaries and vets, the Sginci signee’s come-up has also been accompanied by recognition in the shape of zealous support from her fans and validation from some of the country’s highest award committees.
Over the past year, the meteoric rise of the songstress has translated into commercial success and a steadily burgeoning following. With an Instagram profile that boasts over 36 000 followers and a strong enough Spotify presence to rack up over 174 000 monthly listeners, Nontokozo has culled features and songs with the likes of BET Award winner Sjava (on his song “uThixo” from the platinum-certified Isibuko) and SAMA-recognised acts such as Nomfundo Moh, Dumi Mkokstad, and Xolly Mncwango.
In addition to establishing a foothold in the industry, the canary secured two nominations at the 2024 Metro FM Awards for Best New Artist and Best R&B, winning the former. She’s also up for the Newcomer of the Year gong at this year’s Basadi In Music Awards. Perhaps without much of a surprise, considering the success of her breakout single “Moyongcwele”, the star credited the inception of her journey in music to church.
“Most of the things that I’ve achieved and everything that I’ve managed to do is because of God’s grace. Because when I look back, I only started doing music professionally in 2017, so to have achieved so many great things in one year makes me understand that it can only be God,” she said, speaking of her recent successes.
Nontokozo Mkhize With Her Metro FM Award | SUPPLIED
Having already carved her name in the hearts of multitudes and on her awards, Nontokozo briefly spoke about her future plans in music, conceding that while she’s been able to put out singles, she’s working on more on the side.
“I’ve been releasing singles all along, but I want my fans to know that they can expect more music,” she said, not revealing too much on what’s around the bend.
Speaking of her musical influences, she handpicked singer Brenda Mtambo as someone she looked to for her chameleon-esque ability to phase into any genre. She also noted that looking to the former Joyous Celebration vocalist helped her since she had a background as a girl who grew up in the church.
“I would say Brenda Mtambo influenced me, and it’s not only her style. As I already mentioned, I learned most of the things I know about music from church. So even when I’m singing something like gospel, you can hear from melodies and harmonies that everything is inspired by the church sound. So, Mam’ Brenda’s influence on me comes from her fitting in most genres you put her, from gospel to afrosoul. I’d say I’ve learned more a lot from her in that sense,” she said.
Nontokozo Mkhize | SUPPLIED
More than about fame, fortune, and flying high, Nontokozo’s ambitions with the mic lean on the noble side of serving her listeners. Keeping the suffering of the current generation in mind, she expressed that her greatest aspiration has been to use her musicianship as a device that provides intrinsic comfort and to make those who come across her works feel as though they are not alone.
“I want to be that one artist that when people speak about me and my music, they say that they feel as if there are being given a hug. I feel like we are a generation that goes through so many things, and so that’s the least we can do as artists,” she said.
Mkhize released her most successful single “Moyongcwele” on 24 March 2024. The piano-based gospel song is a soothing ballad dedicated to the Holy Spirit which sees the singer not only gush with praise but also surrender herself in total worship. With the music video notching over 600 000 views on YouTube since the visuals dropped in 30 April 2024, the single is also closing in on 800 000 streams on Spotify.
The song has since spawned a sequel titled “Moyongcwele 2.0”, bolstered by the inclusion of gospel powerhouses Dumi Mkokstad and Xolly Mncwango.
“I feel that “Moyongcwele” really touched my heart, because I’m a child of God and in most of the things I do, I like including God. Everything about that song is close to my heart,” she said, citing the song as her favourite so far in her career.
Watch “Moyongcwele”: