Nobantu Vilakazi: Shaping Amapiano Through Voice, DJing and Collaboration

Nobantu Vilakazi has emerged as a prominent figure in the South African music scene, celebrated for her versatility as a DJ, vocalist, songwriter, and hitmaker. She first gained national attention in 2021 through her chant in Musa Keys’ hit ‘Vula Mlomo’, which became ubiquitous across taxis, clubs, and township streets. Nobantu’s confident delivery and presence quickly marked her as more than a background artist, earning her the title of ‘first lady of amapiano’, a genre traditionally dominated by male producers and DJs. Despite this label, she has consciously resisted being pigeonholed, returning to her roots in house DJing while also venturing into production and performance. Her latest single, ‘Abafana Base Goli’, showcases her ability to merge storytelling with amapiano’s communal spirit, collaborating with artists like DBN Gogo, Lady Du, Tman Express, Felo Le Tee, Fake’Well, and Soul Jam. The track explores themes of love, loyalty, and relationships with authenticity and humour, reflecting experiences familiar to many women. Nobantu’s approach to music is defined by spontaneity, organic growth, and a refusal to withhold her work due to fear or numbers. Beyond her music, she maintains a distinctive, polished image influenced by her grandmother’s emphasis on presentation. From her early chants to her multi-layered collaborations today, Nobantu Vilakazi continues to assert her presence at the forefront of amapiano, embodying both talent and confidence.