Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa - A spontaneous moment on stage at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex recently blossomed into one of the most heartfelt musical tributes to South African theatre royalty.
Acclaimed vocalist and storyteller Nomabotwe has officially unveiled her emotionally charged musical homage titled Siyakukhumbula - An Ode to Nomhle Nkonyeni which is a dedication to the late legendary actress, Nomhle Nkonyeni.
The journey behind the song began unexpectedly while Nomabotwe was performing at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex recently. During the performance, she also broke into a tribute song dedicated to Winnie Mandela to the playful chagrin of Nomhle Nkoneyni.
In that moment of delight and playful irritation of the legendary actress she openly protested the impromptu tribute, sparking laughter and curiosity among those present. That eccentric and unforgettable encounter became the beginning of a profound artistic relationship that evolved over three years before Mama Nomhle's passing.
Born out of an intimate collaborative process, Siyakukhumbula - Ode to Nomhle Nkonyeni saw Nomabotwe consulting Mama Nomhle at every stage of the song’s development. The pair shared creative sessions at Nkonyeni’s home in New Brighton after the celebrated actress had returned to settle among her people in Gqeberha.
“Sis Hlehle, as she was fondly known, had just settled back in Gqeberha and lived amongst her people in New Brighton. We had sessions at her place, took pictures and audio visuals as well. Whenever she saw me around Mendi Road in New Brighton - a vital and historically significant arterial in Gqeberha - she would proudly tell anyone within earshot that I was writing a song about her. It was a rewarding and fulfilling journey working on this project,” explained Nomabotwe.
Although Nomhle Nkonyeni sadly passed away in 2019 before hearing the completed version of the song, Nomabotwe finally fulfilled the shared dream by launching the finished tribute publicly on Nkonyeni’s birthday, 9 April 2026, transforming grief into celebration, remembrance and cultural preservation. The official music video is also available via YouTube.
Siyakukhumbula - Ode to Nomhle Nkonyeni stands not merely as a song, but as a living archive, a sonic monument preserving the memory of one of South Africa’s greatest artistic treasures whose influence left an indelible mark on generations of performers and audiences alike.
Today, Siyakukhumbula arrives as both tribute and testimony, a reminder that legends never truly depart, but continue to breathe through the songs, stories and memories they leave behind.
About Nomabotwe
Nomabotwe is an award-winning Afro-Soul artist, songwriter and creative mentor whose music continues to inspire courage and self-belief. With two decades in the music industry, she is best known for her heartfelt performances and her hit song “Hamba Ungemi.” Through The Inner Voice Project, she is expanding her influence from performance to purpose, using her experience to guide and empower a new generation of creatives.
She was born in New Brighton, Gqeberha, and has been a dedicated South African artist for 20 years. Her musical journey began in school and church choirs, eventually leading her to become a backing vocalist for the late Stompie Mavi. She played a key role in forming groups like 3 Quarter and Maisha before launching her solo career in 2016.
Her journey is marked by numerous achievements, including performing for presidential audiences, winning the Standard Bank Ovation Award, performing at the International BRICS Gala Dinner and sharing stages with musical legends. She is also dedicated to community engagement through the Inner Voice Project, which introduces performing arts to disadvantaged children in townships.
About Nomhle Nkonyeni
Born in 1942 in Port Elizabeth, Nomhle Nkonyeni built a towering legacy across stage, television and film over a career spanning more than five decades. Revered as one of the foundational figures of South African theatre, she became synonymous with fearless storytelling, cultural activism and artistic excellence. Through the legendary Serpent Players drama group alongside luminaries such as John Kani and Athol Fugard, Nkonyeni helped shape protest theatre during apartheid and carried African stories onto international stages.
