Nobantu Vilakazi certain new single “Bhuti” will further cement her spot as a prolific amapiano artist
Twenty-eight year old Nobantu Vilakazi is ready to expand and cement her name within the music industry. And she hopes her latest single Bhuti that features DBN Gogo, will be the song to do exactly that.
But for the Soweto born singer, releasing chart topping hits is not an unusual thing for her, having released and featured in some of Mzansi’s hit songs such as Luzuko, Vula Mlomo and Banyana ke Bafana.
“There’s this thing that I used to say in the streets ‘bhuti’ and people actually loved it. Visca (who also has a hand in the new single) suggested I make a song out of it.
Explaining the storyline, she said: “Bhuti is a man who goes around making women pregnant and leaving them, although this song highlights one instance of the many,” she said.
“This is yet another song that reflects society in a musical way. I always prioritize storytelling and these are topics that reflect on a daily basis what I see and even what happens in my own life,” she said.
Raised in a musical family, taking up music was bound to happen. The star cites both her grandparents, who raised her, to have an influence on her music journey including her uncle – who sang with the famous Soweto clap and tap group Barorisi Ba Morena.
She grew up in Meadowlands before moving to Braamfischerville at the age of 7 years old. From an early age, Nobantu pursued entertainment. Forming part of a dance group ‘Hillside dancers’ where she also performed the famous Sarafina production, doing both singing and dancing. She describes herself as an extremely energetic person, but who was also grounded in lessons of church and a childhood that was cushioned by her grandparents.
Her childhood was uniquely hers, “a very nice childhood filled with so much love and that is why I am such a lover. I don’t remember lacking anything,” she said.
“It was during those times that my musical ability was harnessed and I was convinced more than ever that I belonged in the industry. Leading up to the 2010 World Cup, I danced, and on various other platforms,” she said.
That love for the entertainment industry pushed her to make a name for herself locally, as a dancer, until the release of her first single in 2014. Since then, her career has been a slow burning growth that has brought her to where she is now.
“I know I have a lot of impact within the industry and it’s been a great experience. I’ve grown as a human being, as a mother, as an artist and a business woman. Having given birth to so many projects, things I sometimes saw as far fetched, is proof of my growth,” she said.
With more still to come, the star will be dropping another single next month, shooting the music video for her current banger and promises an EP or album within the month of August.
“I specifically want to drop a piece of art in August when women are given the attention that I think we deserve throughout the year,” she said.
“I promise music that will continue telling stories, sharing my life or whatever is happening in society. I believe that listeners always want to know about your life, they want to know the intimate details of who you are and that is what I will continue to give them,” she said.
And as she climbs up the industry one single at a time, Nobantu hopes that she is received as fiercely as her love for the craft.
“My biggest dream is for people to stop sleeping on me, because I am very talented. And this goes to the music lovers and the industry itself.
“Sometimes I look at people that are half as talented as I am and see them do wonders, and always wonder what can be achieved with my talent, if only I can be given a chance. In this small space of time, I have proven my worth. I am an internationally rated artist because every country in Africa loves my music but just doesn’t know the face behind it.
But even with these minor industry setbacks, the star is ready to challenge it head on and make a name for herself.
“Moving forward, I just wish that I never sleep on myself nor give up. I’ve had a long journey to be where I am. I believe in myself so much and I know I have so much to give. I am willing to push as hard as I can to see my dream realised. Being the superstar that I know I was born to be,” she said.