In 2023, Noluthando Ngema emerged victorious at the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) when she won the first-ever Nando’s Emerging Artist of the Year award.
Less than a year later, the rising star has announced the release of her debut single, “Black Girls Deserve Good Love Too”.
Ngema’s single comes after a year-long, one-on-one mentoring session with Samas-award-winning icon, Msaki, which was part of the R100k prize.
At the time, Ngema said, “To get the training, to be equipped, to have recording time, to go to Bridges Academy, to have mentoring from Msaki, to have a new wardrobe … all of this amazing stuff will really help me to launch my career in a big way.”
Ngema’s debut release is a gentle anthem that highlights the tenderness and simplicity of love and will be accompanied by a music video on Friday, July 19.
Ngema said: “Often times, black women don’t have soft and safe places to land, and this song is meant to encourage us to verbalise the longing within our hearts to be treated with an element of softness and care.
“Although this description of love is soothing, it does not mean it should be without desire or passion.”
Msaki added: “One of the things I really see in her is her big heart to see healing, soothing, and genuine music move from her soul to other people’s.”
Bontle Phiri, Culture at Nando’s marketing manager, said, “At Nando's, our purpose is changing lives, and we do this through creativity (art, design and music) by nurturing and showcasing local talent in a way that makes a meaningful difference.
“Supporting a talented emerging musician like Noluthando in her journey is an example of how we do this and it's a joy to celebrate this launch with her.”
Listen to “Black Girls Deserve Good Love Too” here.