Vusi Nova Opens Up About Why He Creates Music: “Afro-Soul Is Medicine”
South African Afro-soul sensation Vusi Nova has opened up about the deep emotional and cultural motivations behind his music, revealing that every note he sings is rooted in personal truth and communal experience.
The 40-year-old singer, born Vusimuzi Nongxa, says music has always been more than just a career. For him, it is a form of healing and storytelling. “It’s the sound of my story, my people’s struggles and our joy. Raw, unfiltered, human, my roots and my realness,” he shared.
Vusi Nova’s Afro-soul sound has carved a distinct identity in the South African music landscape. He describes the genre as “medicine” – something that carries the weight of emotional truth and offers listeners a space to feel seen and heard. “Afro-soul isn’t just music – it’s medicine. When fans say it mends their heart, that’s the mission,” he said.
On Friday, 13 June, the As’phelelanga hitmaker released his latest single, Phendula. The emotionally charged track is dedicated to anyone healing from the wounds of heartbreak. He revealed that the song was born out of his own pain and vulnerability.
“Phendula was inspired by real heartbreak – those painful moments when love lets you down again and again,” Vusi explained. “It’s about turning that pain into something beautiful and healing through music.”
He described the writing process as intensely emotional, admitting that he was “hurt and raw” while penning the lyrics. But from that emotional place, something powerful emerged. “I’m now healed, stronger and proud of turning struggle into something beautiful,” he said.
For Vusi, connecting with his audience on a deeper level is what fuels his creativity. He wants his music to speak directly to those who feel broken, lonely, or unseen. “I want those who’ve been heartbroken to feel understood and validated. Like someone finally put their heartbreak into words,” he said. “Even in sadness, I hope they find comfort and strength, knowing they’re not alone.”
More than just a reflection of his own experiences, Vusi Nova sees his music as a collective journey. Through Afro-soul, he bridges tradition and modernity, offering a space where pain, resilience, and culture coexist. “The genre bends but never breaks, and there’s room to fuse tradition with tomorrow. That’s freedom, and that keeps me motivated,” he added.
With Phendula, Vusi Nova continues to offer his listeners not just songs, but emotional refuge. His voice, grounded in authenticity and heritage, remains a powerful force in the Afro-soul genre — a genre he believes will always be rooted in truth, no matter how the times may change.
