Award-winning South African Afro-Tech vocalist Lizwi, born Nokuphiwa Mbatha, is stepping into a new era, one defined by global stages, cultural pride and a sound that continues to push African electronic music further into the world. Speaking at G-Wash10 EP launch, Lizwi reflected on a journey that has transformed her from a rising local voice into one of South Africa’s most recognisable international Afro-Tech vocalists.
From South Africa to the Global Stage
Lizwi’s journey in Afro-Tech began in 2017, when she was still building her name and identity within the scene. What started as a local journey quickly evolved into a global one, as she began collaborating with international producers and carving out a distinct lane for herself in electronic music.
By 2022, Lizwi’s profile had grown significantly thanks to the success of viral records that helped introduce her voice to audiences far beyond South Africa. Their momentum opened the door to international touring opportunities across Europe, Russia and parts of Central Asia, positioning her as one of the few South African vocalists actively commanding stages across multiple continents.
Singing in Zulu, Connecting Beyond Language
One of Lizwi’s most remarkable strengths lies in her ability to connect with audiences who may not understand the language she sings in, but still deeply feel the emotion behind it.
Known for performing primarily in Zulu, often blending it with Xhosa, Lizwi says her international reception continues to prove that music remains one of the most universal forms of communication. Whether performing for audiences in Eastern Europe or Central Asia, she has watched crowds sing her lyrics back to her word for word, even in languages they do not speak or understand.
That global embrace has become one of the clearest signs of African music’s reach, with Lizwi’s performances showing how Afro-Tech continues to resonate across cultures through rhythm, spirit and emotional connection.
Building a Sound Without Borders
While Lizwi has built much of her global profile through collaborations and feature records, she is now preparing to step further into her own spotlight.
The vocalist revealed that she has three solo projects scheduled for release across May and June, a major creative milestone that marks a more personal and intentional phase in her artistry. Unlike many of the collaborative records that first introduced her to global audiences, these upcoming releases are entirely her own.
The new music will showcase a more expansive sound, blending European electronic textures with African musical identity. For Lizwi, this next chapter is about experimentation, versatility and pushing herself beyond genre limitations while still remaining rooted in the sounds that shaped her.
An Award-Winning Voice in Global Dance Music
Lizwi’s international rise has not gone unnoticed. Performing under her birth name Nokuphiwa Mbatha and her stage identity Lizwi, the vocalist has built an award-winning reputation within global dance music circles.
Her accolades include Music Box World Hit 2024, BIMA Dance of the Year and Symph USA Artist of the Year, achievements that reflect her growing influence not only as a vocalist, but as one of Afro-Tech’s most impactful global ambassadors.
These recognitions have cemented her status as one of the genre’s most celebrated voices, further validating her ability to move seamlessly between African and international dance floors.
The Reality of a Global Career
Though her rise has come with packed touring schedules and international demand, Lizwi admits the lifestyle comes with sacrifice.
As one of the few South African vocalists consistently booked across Europe and Asia during summer, she says the experience is both rewarding and isolating. Long periods away from home, often performing across dozens of cities in a single season, have become part of the reality of building an international music career.
Still, she views the journey as both a blessing and a responsibility, one made possible by the artists who opened those doors before her.
Following the Path Paved by Afro-House Giants
Lizwi credits much of her confidence and ambition to the example set by South African Afro-house pioneers who proved that international longevity was possible.
She points to the success of Black Coffee, Shimza and a generation of globally recognised African electronic artists who transformed South Africa’s dance music scene into an international export.
Their success, she says, created a blueprint for vocalists like herself to imagine bigger possibilities, not just as featured voices on DJ records, but as standalone performers capable of commanding global audiences.
A New Era for Afro-House Vocalists
Lizwi’s rise also reflects a broader shift within Afro-house and Afro-Tech culture, one where vocalists are no longer confined to the background.
Where dance music bookings once overwhelmingly favoured DJs, vocalists are now increasingly being recognised as headline performers in their own right. Lizwi sees this as one of the most important evolutions in the genre, with more vocalists now building independent touring careers and stepping into the spotlight on their own terms.
