Nomfusi

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Nomfusi red carpet L.A -

Nomfusi Mandela Premiere Berlin Jan 2014 -

La Vida UK Jan 2014

http://issuu.com/lavidamagazine/docs/lavidawinter13_14online/109?e=8898791%2F6080224 -

In the phenomenal film, 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom', you can't help but to wish that you could rewind to the scene where Miriam Makeba is in a local night spot, played by Nomfusi Gotyana, a South African powerhouse vocalist. Miriam Makeba a.k.a Mama Africa was a civil rights activist who campaigned against the apartheid & utilized her creative outlet to speak out against racial segregation. In spite of the adversity of poor health due to being diagnosed with cancer & South Africa’s struggles during apartheid, Miriam was able to obtain Grammy awards & become the first artist to popularize African music around the globe with a hint of jazz & classic infusion. During her career Mama Africa collaborated with many music legends including Dizzy Gillespie, singer & actor Harry Belafonte, & Paul Simon.


South African soul singer, Nomfusi

I was able to catch up with Nomfusi via Skype in Johannesburg, Africa to discuss her first major movie role in, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.

Keandra “Ke’Ke” Scott: What was it like to portray such a powerful music legend, Miriam Makeba, a.k.a. Mama Africa, in 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'? How did you prepare for this roll?

Nomfusi Gotyana: It was beautiful & I had a chance to study her. I learned similarities between our lives especially since both our mothers were sangomas (traditional South African healers). We both started young with local groups & very much involved in the liberation of South Africa. Miriam Makeba was an extraordinary lady. I wanted to bring that spirit in my presence in the delivery of the song. It was totally amazing trying to get into her shoes. She has a way of delivering her songs; she would sing a serious message. Makeba expression (smile) was really strong (painful), it is a very popular thing in African music to sing about their pain & hope within.

KS: What was it like to work alongside the multi-talented actor Idris Elba (I’m pretty sure everyone asks this out of their personal curiosity ha ha)?

NG: Everyone asks me this question, ha ha. I’ve seen him in other movies, but he became my favorite actor after the filming of ‘Mandela’. I respect him trying to learn & speak in xhosa; it was beautiful. Although he doesn’t look like Mateba, he brought him to life! You immediately forget he doesn’t look like him because his spirit really portrays Mateba.

KS: Who did you bond with the most on set &/or who made some of the most memorable moments for you?

NG: I made the most bond with the director, Justin Chadwick, because he wanted to hear my side of the Mandela & Miriam story. People needed to know the young Mandela before becoming the hero of the world; it’s exactly what Idris portrayed. I think I speak for everyone when I say this.

KS: What has life been like for you after the filming of 'Mandela'?

NG: I flew out to the premiere of the film in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA [at ArcLight Cinemas on Tues. November 11, 2013] & I have been performing throughout Germany & Swaziland. -

RTS Swiss Journal Dec 2013 -

Nomfusi Gotyana is dynamite. She has the world in the palm of her hand and is now bringing her sound home to Mzansi.
The Port Elizabeth-born gem’s 2009 debut album, Kwazibani, titled after her mother who she lost to HIV/AIDS, was well received internationally.

“My first album was classified under world music because it had more brass and appealed more overseas with its Motown and Sohiatown feel,” explains Nomfusi.

With 10 international tours under her belt, the SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee is back with her latest offering, Take Me Home.
After finishing school, Nomfusi moved to Cape Town to study accounting at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. While there, she worked as a waitress and sang at restaurants to earn extra money.

“After losing my mom I decided there was nothing left for me in PE so I went to study in Cape Town. I used to wait on tables and sing, but I got more tips on stage than waitressing,” she smiles.

“While I was singing, a woman from a local church heard me. She introduced me to Phillip, the director of Global Exposure publicity,” says Nomfusi.

Her new album, Take Me Home is home grown, with producers such as Ringo Madlingozi, Robbie Malinga and DJ Clock, who tailored it specifically to appeal to Mzansi audiences.

Nomfusi recently toured the country to introduce her latest offering sound to the people in Khayelitsha, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, East London, Durban and Johannesburg.

She is ready to take her album to great heights.

“Take Me Home is about me introducing myself to South Africa saying ‘I’m a musician, I exist’. The album is for everyone because of the talented and versatile producers I’ve worked with,” says Nomfusi.

Nomfusi has had the opportunity to play the late, great Miriam Makeba in Nelson Mandela’s biopic Long Walk to freedom set to air in 2014.

“It was an honour to play mam’ Miriam Makeba. Being part of this movie is a stepping stone for the future and it made me respect all art forms,” she says.

Her talent has been recognised the world over and her humble beginnings have taught Nomfusi that hard work and determination can make you a star. “I used to dream about being a star. I thank God for the fulfilment of that dream,” says Nomfusi, passionately. - EC Today

Nomfusi Gotyana is dynamite. She has the world in the palm of her hand and is now bringing her sound home to Mzansi.
The Port Elizabeth-born gem’s 2009 debut album, Kwazibani, titled after her mother who she lost to HIV/AIDS, was well received internationally.

“My first album was classified under world music because it had more brass and appealed more overseas with its Motown and Sohiatown feel,” explains Nomfusi.

With 10 international tours under her belt, the SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee is back with her latest offering, Take Me Home.
After finishing school, Nomfusi moved to Cape Town to study accounting at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. While there, she worked as a waitress and sang at restaurants to earn extra money.

“After losing my mom I decided there was nothing left for me in PE so I went to study in Cape Town. I used to wait on tables and sing, but I got more tips on stage than waitressing,” she smiles.

“While I was singing, a woman from a local church heard me. She introduced me to Phillip, the director of Global Exposure publicity,” says Nomfusi.

Her new album, Take Me Home is home grown, with producers such as Ringo Madlingozi, Robbie Malinga and DJ Clock, who tailored it specifically to appeal to Mzansi audiences.

Nomfusi recently toured the country to introduce her latest offering sound to the people in Khayelitsha, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown, East London, Durban and Johannesburg.

She is ready to take her album to great heights.

“Take Me Home is about me introducing myself to South Africa saying ‘I’m a musician, I exist’. The album is for everyone because of the talented and versatile producers I’ve worked with,” says Nomfusi.

Nomfusi has had the opportunity to play the late, great Miriam Makeba in Nelson Mandela’s biopic Long Walk to freedom set to air in 2014.

“It was an honour to play mam’ Miriam Makeba. Being part of this movie is a stepping stone for the future and it made me respect all art forms,” she says.

Her talent has been recognised the world over and her humble beginnings have taught Nomfusi that hard work and determination can make you a star. “I used to dream about being a star. I thank God for the fulfilment of that dream,” says Nomfusi, passionately. - EC Today

Interview - Think Africa Press

Interview - Think Africa Press

“Take Me Home swings with a deep sensuality and social expansiveness.” - Miles Keylock, Rolling Stone MagazineSA - Rolling Stones

“Take Me Home swings with a deep sensuality and social expansiveness.” - Miles Keylock, Rolling Stone MagazineSA - Rolling Stones

Nomfusi Gotyana lands movie role

THOUGH she only features in one scene in the movie Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom actress and singer Nomfusi Gotyana is grateful for the opportunity.



HAPPY: Nomfusi Gotyana portrays the late Miriam Makeba in a movie set for release later in the year. PHOTO: Jon Cottam
The talented artist, who is known for her high-pitched voice, says though its likely to be viewed by most as a short-lived experience, she learnt so much from the role.

"I play a scene in which the young former President Nelson Mandela comes to an underground bar to enjoy good music," Gotyana explains. "I am happy to have to relive an era that really appreciated good live music."

Gotyana says filming the movie was a first-time experience for her and she would not mind doing it again.

"I am a performer and would not turn down opportunities to perform, be it singing or acting."

Gotyana, who returned from Germany this week after performing at the Music for Goals concert, says she cannot wait to host her second solo show in Munich, Germany, in July.

"Though I was in Germany to perform at the Music for Goals concert, which creates awareness about racism, I was also there to put plans in motion for my own show."

The young singer says she is still happily married and does not have any immediate plans to start a family.

"We will start making babies when the time is right. For now we are enjoying our own company." - Sowetan Live

Nomfusi Gotyana lands movie role

THOUGH she only features in one scene in the movie Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom actress and singer Nomfusi Gotyana is grateful for the opportunity.



HAPPY: Nomfusi Gotyana portrays the late Miriam Makeba in a movie set for release later in the year. PHOTO: Jon Cottam
The talented artist, who is known for her high-pitched voice, says though its likely to be viewed by most as a short-lived experience, she learnt so much from the role.

"I play a scene in which the young former President Nelson Mandela comes to an underground bar to enjoy good music," Gotyana explains. "I am happy to have to relive an era that really appreciated good live music."

Gotyana says filming the movie was a first-time experience for her and she would not mind doing it again.

"I am a performer and would not turn down opportunities to perform, be it singing or acting."

Gotyana, who returned from Germany this week after performing at the Music for Goals concert, says she cannot wait to host her second solo show in Munich, Germany, in July.

"Though I was in Germany to perform at the Music for Goals concert, which creates awareness about racism, I was also there to put plans in motion for my own show."

The young singer says she is still happily married and does not have any immediate plans to start a family.

"We will start making babies when the time is right. For now we are enjoying our own company." - Sowetan Live

"The Tinker Bell of Afropop" - Rolling Stone S.A.

Currently resides in: Gauteng, South Africa

Born in KwaZhakele South Africa

Since launching her singing career in 2009, SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee Nomfusi has travelled more then six times around the globe, giving riveting performances at prestigious festivals such as WOMAD in England, FMM Sines in Portugal and shared the stage with icons such as Angelique Kidjo, Bebe Wynans and Hugh Masekela. Her untamed performances have been described by critics locally and overseas as “an absolute riot to watch and hear", "a refreshing blast of energy" and the Swazi Observer named her "the best artist in the overall line-up" at the 2011 Bushfire Festival.

The darling of the media back home, she has been profiled widely on television as well as in the press, with live performances on "LIVE AMP" (SABC1), AFROCAFE, TOP BILLING, MORNING LIVE, THREE TALK WITH NOELEEN with feature articles in DRUM, TRUE LOVE, DESTINY, FAIR LADY and COSMOPOLITAN.

After three manic years touring overseas, Nomfusi captured all of her vocal excitement on a powerful sophomore album in 2012, crafted especially for the South African market, aptly titled "Take Me Home." Produced by the legendary king of Afro-soul, Ringo Madlingozi, and fellow craftsmen Robbie Malinga and DJ Clock, the album spawned the tracks Uthando Lwam ("Qam Qam") as well as a duet with Ringo, "Kunjalo," which quickly made their way on to the charts of many leading radio stations.

Nomfusi will be portraying the character of Miriam Makeba in the long-awaited film adaptation of Nelson Mandela, "Long Walk To Freedom." The film, which is due for release in 2014, will according to its producer Anant Singh be "the largest South African production ever mounted."

Her touching life story has been captured widely in the media. Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, who discovered Bob Marley, Angelique Kidjo and U2 said of Nomfusi after viewing a documentary of her life and music: "What a terrific young artist, her genuine concern for her community and beyond comes through SO strongly. She could go all the way"

It is evident that Nomfusi, just as much a child of the soil as a woman of the world, cares deeply for her community, while not shying away from spectacular musical success. In three short years she has won thousands of fans across the globe. With a knock-out new album and a dazzling role in an international film, Nomfusi is steadily finding her way into the hearts and homes of millions.
- Who is Who

"The Tinker Bell of Afropop" - Rolling Stone S.A.

Currently resides in: Gauteng, South Africa

Born in KwaZhakele South Africa

Since launching her singing career in 2009, SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee Nomfusi has travelled more then six times around the globe, giving riveting performances at prestigious festivals such as WOMAD in England, FMM Sines in Portugal and shared the stage with icons such as Angelique Kidjo, Bebe Wynans and Hugh Masekela. Her untamed performances have been described by critics locally and overseas as “an absolute riot to watch and hear", "a refreshing blast of energy" and the Swazi Observer named her "the best artist in the overall line-up" at the 2011 Bushfire Festival.

The darling of the media back home, she has been profiled widely on television as well as in the press, with live performances on "LIVE AMP" (SABC1), AFROCAFE, TOP BILLING, MORNING LIVE, THREE TALK WITH NOELEEN with feature articles in DRUM, TRUE LOVE, DESTINY, FAIR LADY and COSMOPOLITAN.

After three manic years touring overseas, Nomfusi captured all of her vocal excitement on a powerful sophomore album in 2012, crafted especially for the South African market, aptly titled "Take Me Home." Produced by the legendary king of Afro-soul, Ringo Madlingozi, and fellow craftsmen Robbie Malinga and DJ Clock, the album spawned the tracks Uthando Lwam ("Qam Qam") as well as a duet with Ringo, "Kunjalo," which quickly made their way on to the charts of many leading radio stations.

Nomfusi will be portraying the character of Miriam Makeba in the long-awaited film adaptation of Nelson Mandela, "Long Walk To Freedom." The film, which is due for release in 2014, will according to its producer Anant Singh be "the largest South African production ever mounted."

Her touching life story has been captured widely in the media. Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, who discovered Bob Marley, Angelique Kidjo and U2 said of Nomfusi after viewing a documentary of her life and music: "What a terrific young artist, her genuine concern for her community and beyond comes through SO strongly. She could go all the way"

It is evident that Nomfusi, just as much a child of the soil as a woman of the world, cares deeply for her community, while not shying away from spectacular musical success. In three short years she has won thousands of fans across the globe. With a knock-out new album and a dazzling role in an international film, Nomfusi is steadily finding her way into the hearts and homes of millions.
- Who is Who

http://www.rollingstone.co.za/musicrev/item/2258-sama-2013-nominees-announced - Rolling Stones

http://www.rollingstone.co.za/musicrev/item/2258-sama-2013-nominees-announced - Rolling Stones

Since making her debut in 2009, Nomfusi has become one of South Africa’s most sought-after export products, she has become well known for her untamed stage performances. Her sophomore album is titled “Take Me Home”. The album opens up with ‘Kunjalo’, a catchy song featuring the legendary Ringo. Already the first song grabs your attention and you can only imagine what to expect on the next song. She has a unique, powerful voice. There is something that makes her stand out. The album is beautifully created and it definitely has the power to lift your mood up, from listening to the first track until the last. Afro-Soul legend Ringo Madlingozi co-wrote and produced most of the songs on the album which explains the good production. Songs to look out on the album are: ‘Usuka Phi, Uthando Lwam, Ndivile, Take Me Home and Rise”. - Blaque SA

Since making her debut in 2009, Nomfusi has become one of South Africa’s most sought-after export products, she has become well known for her untamed stage performances. Her sophomore album is titled “Take Me Home”. The album opens up with ‘Kunjalo’, a catchy song featuring the legendary Ringo. Already the first song grabs your attention and you can only imagine what to expect on the next song. She has a unique, powerful voice. There is something that makes her stand out. The album is beautifully created and it definitely has the power to lift your mood up, from listening to the first track until the last. Afro-Soul legend Ringo Madlingozi co-wrote and produced most of the songs on the album which explains the good production. Songs to look out on the album are: ‘Usuka Phi, Uthando Lwam, Ndivile, Take Me Home and Rise”. - Blaque SA