Afrotraction Launches Unsigned Vocalist to Empower Mpumalanga Artists

Mnike hitmaker Afrotraction from Mbombela in Mpumalanga, has launched a major new initiative aimed at giving upcoming and aspiring musicians real access to the music industry. Through the Afrotraction Music Foundation, the award-winning artist, born Wandile Moya, has introduced a long-term development platform called Unsigned Vocalist.

The initiative will showcase 12 artists every month throughout 2026, creating consistent opportunities for exposure, recording, and industry participation. Afrotraction says the project is rooted in his personal journey and the people who believed in him before success.

Speaking to Daily Sun, he explained that Unsigned Vocalist was inspired by the moment his life changed after leaving Mpumalanga for Johannesburg, following encouragement from someone who saw his potential and helped him secure his first job, which later became his record label. That experience shaped his belief in community-driven success.

He describes Unsigned Vocalist as an act of community activism. Many of the selected artists come from township backgrounds where unity and shared struggle are part of daily life. Afrotraction believes it is time to move away from labels of underprivilege and toward self-empowerment built through action and consistency.

According to the singer, his own success reached a point where it no longer felt sufficient. With a large catalogue of unreleased music, he realised that collaboration was essential. He also became increasingly concerned about the lack of structure in Mpumalanga’s music industry, despite the province producing finalists and winners from major national talent shows.

Afrotraction says Mpumalanga has failed to industrialise its talent. He believes the province is the true home of afroSoul in South Africa and plans to prove it through sustained output and visibility. He also revealed plans to lobby for Afrotraction to be recognised as an official genre, describing it as a movement rooted in African love, unity, and shared identity across cultures.

The vision behind Unsigned Vocalist is clear. Twelve artists per month and 12 hit songs. Afrotraction believes once-off projects do not work and only deepen existing challenges. He says sustainable growth demands long-term commitment, consistency, and focus, values he has applied throughout his own career.

Through Unsigned Vocalist 2026, the initiative aims to create a commercial ecosystem where artists and businesses grow together, with equal visibility and opportunity. Afrotraction sees this as a practical way to rebuild Mpumalanga’s music industry.

The initiative recently launched its first artist, Bongi Passer from Matsulu in Mpumalanga. Afrotraction first met Bongi in 2019 when he was working as a waiter at a local restaurant. Although nothing materialised then, they reconnected in 2025 and recorded two complete songs in a single day, highlighting the raw talent found in the province.

Afrotraction describes Bongi as humble, disciplined, respectful, and eager to learn, with a maturity beyond his years. He says opening the project with Bongi set the right tone for what Unsigned Vocalist represents.

Bongi Passer’s debut single under the initiative was officially launched on Sunday, 18 January, at The Garden Mbombela in Mbombela. The event brought together multiple partners including Rise FM, Chery Mbombela, Crafart, Usigns, Giga Guru, Bayede Royal Wines, Point R40 Lodge, and MAD Photography.

Afrotraction says the launch symbolised progress through unity. He describes Unsigned Vocalist as a prophecy fulfilment project that reflects his purpose and commitment to lifting others. With strong partnerships already in place, he believes Mpumalanga’s music industry is positioned to rise again in a progressive and sustainable way.