Ayanda Nhlangothi, daughter of Reginald ‘Bhunu’ Nhlangothi (Jazz Drummer and Business man) and Marilyn Thenjiwe Nokwe (Singer, Songwriter and Business woman), is a young lady who is extremely talented and versatile. She is a Singer, Composer, Dancer, Producer, Actress, Social Activist & Teacher.
Her career began at a very tender age of 10. She acted in the Sarafina movie, recorded the voice of young Simba in the Zulu Lion King, was the original lead voice in the e-tv theme song when it was first launched. Ayanda composes music that reveal the resilient spirit of our African youth. She was regarded as “the class” of the 2002 Idols competition and “The Voice of a Nation”. After this she landed lead roles in various theatres like: The Johannesburg Civic Theatre; New York Off-Broadway Dodgers Theatre; and Catalina Theatre in Kzn. She starred in: ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Pantomime, the British musical ‘Boogie Nights’, interactive drumming experience ‘Drumstruck’ and her one hander about her life “IVOTI”. She released her debut album with SonyBmg in 2007.
In 2013 she recorded and performed with international legendary harpist, Andreas Vollenweider in Switzerland. In that same year, she performed as the main opening act of the 2013 AFCON Opening Concert. She appeared singing and playing an African Indigenous Instrument ‘Umakhweyana’, an emotional string instrument that is truly therapeutic which was played by Zulu Women and made famous by Princess Magogo (Mother of Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi). Umakhweyana opened more doors for her in theatre, television and cinema starring in Cry of Love Movie of Moments entertainment, Makwande & 7 Pillars of Vuyani Dance Theatre, Ayanda comes with a pedigree second to none.
Ayanda’s strong sense of social consciousness was influenced by her family’s rich musical history inherited from her grandparents, the legendary Patty andAlfred Nokwe; mother Marilyn Nokwe of Mango Groove, and Tu Nokwe of Shaka Zulu fame who all played a pivotal role in guiding her artistic development.
Like her family, she is committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives through music and storytelling. She is currently working on her second album that celebrates Pan Africanism by taking you through her journey of Letting Go and experiencing true joy. Through this album dedicated to Mother Africa, her deepest yearn is to be her true self- A True African.
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