Birth Name: Nontokozo Hlengwa
Stage Name: Nontokozo Mkhize
Date of Birth: 2000
Place of Birth: Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Genres: Afro-soul, Gospel, Contemporary Christian Music
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Performer
Years Active: 2017–present
Record Label: Sginci Media
Early Life and Family Background
Nontokozo Mkhize was born in 2000 in Inanda, a township near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Raised in a community rich in musical heritage, she was immersed in gospel and traditional music from a young age. Her family played a pivotal role in nurturing her passion for music, providing both spiritual and emotional support as she embarked on her musical journey.
Education and Musical Formation
Mkhize pursued her education in performing arts, equipping herself with the skills necessary to navigate the music industry. Her academic background, combined with her natural talent, laid a solid foundation for her career as a singer and songwriter. She began her musical career in 2017 as a backing vocalist, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Benjamin Dube, Mondli Ngcobo, Naima Kay, Dumi Mkokstad, and Sjava.
Career Trajectory and Breakthrough
In 2022, Mkhize transitioned into a solo career, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey. Her debut single, “Lu Strong,” featuring Nomfundo Moh, was released in May 2023. The song, characterized by its Afro-pop and R&B influences, conveys a message of enduring love. The collaboration with Moh was a testament to Mkhize’s growing presence in the South African music scene.
Following this, Mkhize was featured on Sjava’s album Isibuko in 2023, contributing to the track “Thixo.” This collaboration further solidified her reputation as a versatile artist capable of blending seamlessly into various musical styles.
In 2024, Mkhize’s career reached new heights with the release of her debut studio album, Lindiwe. The album garnered over 1 million streams on Spotify South Africa within its first week, tying her with Tyla for the highest first-week entry for a debut studio album by a South African female artist in history on the SA Spotify Weekly Album Chart.
The album’s lead single, “Esandleni,” achieved significant success, becoming the most-streamed solo song by a female artist in a single week on Spotify South Africa, surpassing Adele’s “Easy on Me.” The track also secured a position in the top five of the Local Streaming Chart Top 10 and entered the top 10 on the Billboard South Africa rankings.
Another notable single, “Moyongcwele,” released in March 2024, is a soulful gospel ballad dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The song’s music video garnered over 600,000 views on YouTube and nearly 800,000 streams on Spotify. A sequel, “Moyongcwele 2.0,” featuring Dumi Mkokstad and Xolly Mncwango, was released later that year.
Awards and Recognition
In May 2024, Mkhize was honored with the Best Newcomer award at the Metro FM Music Awards, a testament to her rapid ascent in the South African music industry. She was also nominated for Best R&B at the same event. Reflecting on her achievements, Mkhize expressed gratitude, attributing her success to divine guidance and hard work.
Musical Style and Influences
Mkhize’s music is a harmonious blend of Afro-soul, gospel, and contemporary Christian genres. Her vocal prowess and emotive delivery resonate deeply with audiences, particularly within the gospel community. She draws inspiration from both traditional African sounds and modern musical elements, creating a unique and captivating soundscape. Her lyrics often reflect themes of faith, love, and resilience, offering solace and encouragement to her listeners.
Personal Life
While Mkhize maintains a relatively private personal life, she has shared that her faith plays a central role in her music and daily life. She aspires to be an artist whose music provides comfort and a sense of embrace to her audience, particularly in challenging times.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Mkhize is focused on expanding her musical repertoire and continuing to connect with her audience. She is working on new projects, including collaborations with other artists, and is committed to delivering music that uplifts and inspires. Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering faith suggest a promising future in the music industry.
Discography
Singles:
- “Lu Strong” (2023) – Featuring Nomfundo Moh
- “Esandleni” (2024)
- “Moyongcwele” (2024)
- “Moyongcwele 2.0” (2024) – Featuring Dumi Mkokstad and Xolly Mncwango
- “Imisebenzi” (2025) – Featuring Aymos and Starr Healer
Albums:
- Lindiwe (2024)
Conclusion
Nontokozo
