Zolani Mahola Releases Explosive New Single “Xhosanostra” Featuring the Late Bravo Le Roux

Zolani Mahola, one of South Africa’s most iconic and recognisable voices, returns with her bold new single “XhosaNostra”, featuring the late, great Bravo Le Roux.

Driven by pulsing Gqom rhythms, commanding vocals and undeniable energy, “XhosaNostra” is both deeply rooted and instantly accessible. It is a chest-out cultural anthem, created to make all South Africans feel proud of where they come from and connected to the people, stories, and traditions that have shaped them.

The single also carries deep emotional weight through the presence of Bravo Le Roux, featuring one of his final recordings before his untimely passing. His performance brings power, urgency and spirit to the record, making “XhosaNostra” not only a celebration of culture, but also a tribute to legacy, memory and the enduring force of artists who leave a lasting mark on society.
Adding a unique sonic edge to the track is Hannah V, the London-based Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, and keyboard player, whose production brings a global sound along with lush live strings, a unique addition to the Gqom space. The result is a bold fusion of dancefloor energy, orchestral richness and contemporary African expression.

Speaking about the song, Zolani describes “XhosaNostra” as a proud celebration of Xhosa identity, ancestry and cultural connection, inspired by the teachings of her late father and the spiritual bond she continues to hold with those who came before her. The song also honours the late Bravo Le Roux, whose powerful feature adds an even deeper meaning to a track rooted in pride, legacy and ancestral presence.

With all the swagger in the world, “XhosaNostra” is Zolani Mahola like you have never heard her before: fearless, rooted, joyful and unapologetically powerful.
The release is the first single from her forthcoming album “People Power”, a genre-spanning new body of work that moves across Afro-pop, Gqom, 3-Step, stadium anthems, and the powerful, honest storytelling that she is known for. The album is rooted in identity, community, resilience and Afro-futuristic optimism, signalling a major new creative era for one of Africa’s most beloved artists.

About Zolani Mahola

Zolani Mahola is a multi-award-winning South African singer, songwriter, actress and storyteller, widely recognised as one of the most distinctive voices on the African continent. She first rose to global prominence as the lead singer of the acclaimed pan-African group Freshlyground, touring internationally for 17 years and contributing to the global hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” with Colombian superstar Shakira.

Her career spans music, theatre, film, and storytelling. She has performed alongside legendary artists including Stevie Wonder, BB King, Shakira, Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg, and Yo-Yo Ma, and won a Fleur du Cap Award for Best Actress for her autobiographical theatre work The One Who Sings. Her debut solo album Thetha Mama won Best Produced Album at the South African Music Awards.

With the first single from the highly anticipated release of her new album “People Power”, Zolani Mahola makes a powerful return into the collective psyche of South Africa and beyond.