Nomfusi: A Conversation About Resilience and Compassion from South Africa Through Music

South African singer Nomfusi was born in the Eastern Cape and raised by her single mother while her father was serving a 21-year prison sentence. Tragically, Nomfusi was orphaned at age twelve when she lost her mother to HIV/AIDS. Nomfusi’s aunt took her and her siblings in, but sadly also succumbed to the same deadly disease three years later. Undeterred by the hand she was dealt at such a young age, Nomfusi turned her situation around to become one of South Africa's brightest, most recognizable stars.

Never one for self-pity, Nomfusi strives to inspire others with her worldview that “life is about choices” and that "one has to overcome the poverty of the mind first.” Her compassion has led her to doing outreach work at schools for at-risk youth in Soweto, Swaziland, and Malawi, and creating opportunities she didn’t have for the next generation, and serves as an ambassador that helps homeless individuals get back on their feet and reintegrate into society.

Not one to just stand behind a microphone and sing, the self-taught vocalist and songwriter has become well known for her explosive stage performances all over the world. Nomfusi’s music is a beautiful, fearless mix of genres — from joyful Township sounds to Afropop, Afro-soul, and soulful Ballads touched by Gospel.

Join Nomfusi for a moderated discussion where she will talk about her resilience to overcome hardships and how she shares her message through conversation and song across the globe.

Nomfusi makes her U.S. debut in July 2023 as part of Center Stage, a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.

Sponsored in part by the College of the Arts Creative B Summer Program in partnership with the Office of the Provost.

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