National Arts Festival

NELISA - KWELEMIMOYA

Entertone

Music / Thomas Pringle

"KWELEMIMOYA" is a mesmerising live music performance, featuring a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary music. With stunning visuals, immersive soundscapes, and thought-provoking narratives, "KWELEMIMOYA" invites audiences on a journey through culture, tradition, life and love, showcasing music that connects us to the spiritual realm.

Experience the power of live artistry as talented musicians guide you on a journey through the ethereal, celebrating the beauty and mystery of the spirit world. Don't miss this captivating evening that promises to resonate with your soul! Join us for a journey that transcends the ordinary, where the power of music brings the unseen world to life.

Production Credits

Performance by: Nelisa

Producer: Nelisa

Director: Siphe Mdleleni

About the Artists

Nelisa Mdleleni
Nelisa is a singer/ songwriter from Mdantsane, East London. Her love for music and performing arts started at a tender age when she was introduced to music, dance and drama. Nelisa has always been fascinated by music, as she grew up singing at church and school choirs.

In 2017, she helped form a record label called Entertone, which she currently owns, and also became the first artist to sign under the label. Nelisa has been to the National Arts Festival twice, once as part of a group that won a Standard Bank Ovation and the second time in 2021, when she had her own show at the Guy Butler theatre where she performed with a live band. In 2018 Nelisa released a single titled “Isikhalo Somfazi” which is aimed at raising awareness against women and child abuse. To prove her versatility as a musician; in 2020 Nelisa featured (wrote and performed) on DJ Mnce’s smash Amapiano hit “Ntliziyo” (video on YouTube -https://youtu.be/D3rQY528eyg). Then In 2021, she gave us a hot offering tilted “Ukuthanda”, with official music video available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oTuYZLDshIM and it also went on to be playlisted on National TV stations. Nelisa was nominated for the Best IsiXhosa Artist Award at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) 2022. This talented songstress released her debut album titled “Kwelemimoya” in 2023, but due to personal challenges; she had to take a hiatus from music throughout 2024. This year, 2025, she has returned to promote the album by releasing her second single taken from “Kwelemimoya” titled “Imenemene”. All the songs on the Album were written and co-produced by her. Kwelemimoya is a fusion of Jazz, Traditional rhythms and Afro Soul. The album features the likes of Luyolo Lenga and Simphiwe Botile.

Nelisa is proving her abilities as a performer and bandleader by producing and performing successful solo and group programs. In addition to working as a solo and band lead vocalist, she is currently collaborating with other artists of different genres. Nelisa is an exceptional artist; she is the future of music.