Biography
Nokwazi Dlamini (born July 18, 1978), best known as Nokwazi, is a South African singer and songwriter. The talented house and Afro-soul musician has performed at many events and occasions.Â
Before she went solo, she worked as a backup singer for legendary singers like Rebecca Malope and Brenda Fassie. Though she worked for them for two decades, she gained prominence after her solo career.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Nokwazi Dlamini |
| Born: | July 18, 1978 (age 44 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Spouse: | Bongani Hlatshwayo |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter, businessperson |
| Years Active: | 1996-date |
| Record Label: | Universal Music (Pty) Ltd |
| Genre: | House Music, Amapiano |
| Profiles: | Facebook • Instagram |
| Net Worth: | R800,000 |
Early Life
Nokwazi Dlamini was born on July 18, 1978, in Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal. The singer grew up in Pietermaritzburg but currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Since she was a child of ten years, the artist would sing in church and entered singing competitions.
Education
Nokwzi had no interest in education and dropped out after Grade eleven. When she grew, Nokwazi discovered the value of education and had to return to school at 40.
Career
In 1996, the singer embarked on her professional journey. The music producer Sizwe Zakho found her and introduced her to the South African singer Rebecca Malope.
Eventually, she became the backup singer for Rebecca Malope and often appeared in her music videos. With time, she became a member of Pure Magic. She recorded many songs with the well-known gospel group.
After her music career started to gain weight, she relocated to the city of Johannesburg. There she backed up prominent music personalities like Brenda Fassie and Chicco Twala.
Dlamini collaborated with other artists like imphiwe Dana, Busi Mhlongo, Thandiswa Mazwai, and more. She started her solo singing career in 2013.
Kalawa Jazmee Records signed Nokwazi Dlamini in 2013. She dropped her first project, The Brothers of Peace’s song Wamuhle. Later, she released her first album Ilambu.
The album featured many legendary singers and music icons like Bucie, Oskido, Dr. Malinga, and DJ Maphorisa. The album housed several hit tracks like Menzi wenzinto and Insimbi.
The music artist gained prominence for featuring with Bucien on Heavy K hit song Inde lendlela. She has also featured in other songs by artists like Sweetie. The hit song topped the music chart for many months.
As a house music artist, she has worked and collaborated with other house music artists like Oskido, TNS, and Prince Bulo.
Source of Income
Nokwazi primarily makes money from live performances, guest appearances, and YouTube. She also makes money from streams and airplay.
The prominent singer is also a businessperson with two restaurants. The singer also performs on virtual platforms during the National Lockdown.
Personal Life
Singer Nokwazi Dlamini is married to Bongani Hlatshwayo. In July 2022, the couple celebrated their two-day traditional wedding ceremony at their homes in Pietermaritzburg and Mnambithi. Family and close friends were there to witness this memorable event.
Brother
Many have addressed Heavy K to be her sibling. They are not related though they have some facial and body similarities.
They have worked on many music productions but are not siblings or blood relations. Heavy K’s real name is Mkhululi Siqula. They have different surnames and have no biological connection.
Net worth
Nokwazi Dlamini boasts over twenty years of experience and a successful career in the music industry. These years of hard work and dedication have earned her a fortune. She has a net worth of R800,000 as of August 2022.
Awards
Nokwazi has spent many years in the local music industry. Her efforts and contributions have gained recognition. She is a nominee for the:
- South African Music Award for Record of the Year
- South African Music Award for Collaboration of the Year
Discography
- Siyabonga
- Siwelele
- Menzi Wezinto
- Uyezwa
- Vala Ngci
- Imoto
- Sibongile
- Impilo
- Intro
- Ntaba
- Hayi
- Together Forever
- Love At 1st Sight
- Together 4 Ever
- Phakade
- Insimbi
- Vuma
- Ngaba Uyangizwa
- Sistaz
- Summer Wave
- Thula Mphikeni
- Ngixolele
- Club Controller
- Inkomo Yami
- Ebabayo
- Egoli
- Hamba
- Umuntu
- Ubumnandi
- Andinayo
- Ilobolo
- Sathane