Renowned soul vocalist and storyteller Nomabotwe continues to affirm her place as one of South Africa’s most introspective and emotionally resonant artists, using music not only as performance, but as purpose.
As she prepares to take to the stage for Saturday Nights Live alongside Kapi Gantsu at the Hard Rock Café Johannesburg on Saturday, 7 March 2026, Nomabotwe is also lending her voice to a cause close to her heart: The Inner Voice Project, a youth-focused initiative launching during the 2026 Back-to-School season, with a national rollout to follow.
At the heart of Nomabotwe’s artistry lies emotional honesty: music that invites listeners to pause, reflect and reconnect with themselves. This same ethos anchors The Inner Voice Project, which uses music, storytelling and dialogue to support learners in developing emotional awareness, confidence and self-belief.
“Young people are often taught what to achieve, but not how to understand themselves,” says Nomabotwe. “The Inner Voice Project is about helping learners trust who they are, especially at a time when they are stepping into a new school year and new pressures.”
The decision to launch the project in the Eastern Cape is both symbolic and intentional. Known as a province rich in cultural heritage, resilience and creative excellence, the Eastern Cape provides fertile ground for a project that centres identity, voice and belonging.
From this launch, The Inner Voice Project will roll out nationwide, engaging schools, educators and communities through:
· Music-led reflection sessions conversations on emotional well-being and self-worth
· Creative spaces that allow learners to express themselves safely and authentically
Timed with Back-to-School, the initiative recognises that education is not only academic, but emotional and social too.
While audiences will experience Nomabotwe’s powerful presence live on stage in Johannesburg, her impact reaches far beyond the spotlight. Through The Inner Voice Project, her voice becomes a guide, encouraging young South Africans to listen inward, especially at a formative stage of their lives.
The collaboration between music and education reinforces a simple truth: when young people feel seen and heard, they are better equipped to learn, grow and lead.
As Nomabotwe reflects on 20 years in music, her journey stands as a testament to quiet endurance, artistic integrity and the power of staying true to one’s voice in an ever-changing industry. Over two decades, she has soundtracked moments of healing, introspection and hope, offering music that speaks softly, yet lands deeply.
Later this year, she will commemorate this remarkable milestone with a special anniversary concert, celebrating not only her catalogue and collaborations, but the community that has grown alongside her music. It will be a moment of gratitude, reflection and collective memory, where past, present and future converge through song