Nomsa: Zimbabwe’s Rising R&B Star Carving Her Own Path

Nomsa, a young Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, and University of Zimbabwe student, is quietly making her mark on the country’s music scene. She turns private emotions into public art, creating music that blends contemporary R&B, Afro-soul, and subtle traditional textures.

Since releasing her first official single in May 2023, Nomsa has built a small but devoted following. Her music sparks conversations about what it means to sound “local” in a global era.

“What drew me to making art was the need to express emotions and ideas I couldn’t fully put into words,” she said.

Nomsa traces her passion for music back to childhood. “I started music when I was in Grade 3. I was writing songs for my crush,” she said. Her university years brought a deeper urgency, inspiring tracks like “Ndochema,” written during a period of depression and isolation. “When I released it, a lot of people could relate. It made me feel less lonely and also take note of how important mental health is,” she explained.

Her music explores love, self-worth, heartbreak, healing, and the nuances of womanhood. Nomsa balances vulnerability with quiet defiance, creating warm-toned, intentionally feminine sonic textures that set her apart from mainstream Zimbabwean Afro-pop.

Nomsa’s creative process is collaborative. “When I feel something I listen to music. If no existing song matches the feeling, I make one myself,” she said. She starts by meditating, finding a motif on her keyboard, and then works with producers Glitch and Hoolanwolf to shape the track. A preview of her upcoming break-up song “Siya Ndiende” has already inspired TikTok content months before its official release.

Despite early successes, Nomsa faces skepticism from some corners of the local music industry for favoring an “international” sound. She recalls being advised to add more Shona lyrics to appeal locally, while others called her music “saladic.” She resists conformity, prioritizing artistic authenticity. “If I change it then it’s no longer MY identity, it’s what people want me to be,” she said.

Nomsa approaches her career strategically. She leverages social media to build her brand, prices her work intentionally, and explores revenue streams from performances, digital content, and commissions. “Kudzidza hakupere,” she observes — learning never ends — a Shona proverb guiding her as she hones her craft.

Outside music, Nomsa studies film, radio, and television. She draws, writes, and describes herself as a storyteller who feels intensely. “I’m curious, expressive and unafraid to ask the hard questions, even when the answers hurt,” she said.

For Zimbabwe’s new generation of musicians navigating identity, language, and global influence, Nomsa’s journey shows that authenticity can resonate. Her music proves that staying true to oneself, even against industry pressures, can create meaningful connections with listeners.