Nomfusi & The Lucky Charms

Ross Cullum, producer of stars such as Elton John and Enya, was so blown away by singer-songwriter Nomfusi Gotyana’s performance during a visit to SA that he proceeded to mix her debut album, Kwazibani.

Backed by her six-piece band, The Lucky Charms, Nomfusi sings most of the jazzy and Motown-influenced songs in isiXhosa – she says she can express herself more fully in her mother tongue.

She has been performing for as long as she can remember, as an escape from her harsh circumstances. ‘One of my earliest memories is of my mum playing the drum for me. I loved performing for the crowds. I was such a show-off.’

With a group of friends, Gotyana also started up a book club called the G Spot (girls’ spot) in their township, to inspire young girls to read. ‘We chose the name to make sure they don’t think it’s another boring trip to the library, but that it’s something fun and sexy to do.’