One of South Africa’s most iconic voices is back. Zolani Mahola makes a bold, chest-out return with her new single “XhosaNostra”, featuring the late Bravo Le Roux in one of his final recorded performances.
Driven by pulsing Gqom rhythms and commanding energy, “XhosaNostra” is a cultural anthem that is deeply rooted yet instantly accessible. The track was created to make South Africans feel proud of where they come from, connected to the people, stories, and traditions that have shaped them.
A Tribute to Bravo Le Roux
The single carries significant emotional weight through the presence of Bravo Le Roux, whose performance brings power, urgency, and spirit to the record. His contribution makes “XhosaNostra” more than a celebration of culture; it becomes a tribute to legacy, memory, and the enduring impact of artists who leave a lasting mark.
Adding a distinctive sonic edge is London-based Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, and keyboard player Hannah V, whose production introduces lush live strings, a unique addition to the Gqom space, alongside a global sound. The result is a bold fusion of dancefloor energy, orchestral richness, and contemporary African expression.
Zolani Mahola on “XhosaNostra”
Zolani describes the song as a proud celebration of Xhosa identity, ancestry, and cultural connection, inspired by the teachings of her late father and the spiritual bond she holds with those who came before her. With all the swagger in the world, “XhosaNostra” presents Zolani Mahola like you’ve never heard her before: fearless, rooted, joyful, and unapologetically powerful.
Freshlyground Icon Enters a New Creative Era
“XhosaNostra” is the lead single from her forthcoming album People Power, a genre-spanning body of work that moves across Afro-pop, Gqom, 3-Step, and stadium anthems, anchored by the honest storytelling she is known for. Rooted in identity, community, resilience, and Afro-futuristic optimism, the album signals a major new chapter for one of Africa’s most beloved artists.
More info about Zolani Mahola
Zolani Mahola is a multi-award-winning South African singer, songwriter, actress, and storyteller, widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and influential voices on the African continent. Known for her ability to bridge cultural divides through music, she has established herself as a powerful, multidisciplinary creative whose work frequently centers on identity, nature, and the power of narrative.
Mahola first rose to international prominence as the lead singer of the acclaimed pan-African group Freshlyground, which she fronted for 17 years. During her tenure, the band achieved global success, most notably through their collaboration with Shakira on the official 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Her time with the band also saw them share stages with global icons such as Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and Yo-Yo Ma.
In 2019, Zolani Mahola embarked on a solo career, adopting the moniker “The One Who Sings.” This transition allowed her to explore more personal themes, blending music with intimate storytelling. Her debut solo album, Thetha Mama, earned critical acclaim and nominations at the South African Music Awards, reinforcing her status as a singular voice in the modern African music landscape.
Mahola’s impact extends well beyond the stage. She is a dedicated activist and ambassador for several organizations, including the Sea Change Project (conservation), the Zip Zap Circus School, the Morris Isaacson Centre for Music, and the Earthchild Project. She has also won a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Actress for her autobiographical one-woman show, The One Who Sings.
With “XhosaNostra”, Zolani Mahola makes a powerful return to the collective psyche of South Africa and well beyond.
You can stream/download the track HERE.
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