Vusi Nova

Snova[1] (born Vusimuzi Nongxa; 4 May 1984[2]), commonly known by his former name Vusi Nova, is a South African singer. Born and raised in New Brighton, Gqeberha, Nova relocated to Johannesburg in 1998 at the age of 14 to pursue his career in music and signed a record deal with Muthaland Records, released Walk Into Light (2013) and Did It For Love (2014).[3]

Career

Nova signed a record deal with EMI Records and released his first album Ndimfumene in 2009.[4] In 2010, he joined RJ Benjamin for vocal lessons and met Oskido who signed him to Kalawa Jazmee.[4] In 2012, Nova signed with Muthaland Entertainment and began to work on his debut studio album.[4]

In 2013, his debut studio album Walk Into Light was released.[5] It features Moneoa, Veezo, RJ Bejamin and Ishmael. In December 2014, Nova's album Did It For Love was released. At the 21st South African Music Awards, Did It For Love was nominated for Best RnB/Soul/Reggae Album.[6]

In early 2016, his single "Thandiwe" was released and peak at number one on Most Shazamed song in Lesotho.[7] In July 2016, his third studio album Naninina was released to critical acclaim.[8] Naninina won Best Afro Album at 2017 South African Afro Music Awards and also Best African Pop Album, Best Styled Artist/Group and Best Produced Album at the 2017 Metro FM Awards.[9] The album was certified platinum in South Africa.[10][11]

"As'phelelanga" featuring South African poet Jessica Mbangeni was released on August 17, 2018.[12]

That same month August 2018, his fourth album Mayan-Nyan was released.[13] The album was certified gold with sales of 25 000 units after 2 months of its release.[14] At 25th South African Music Awards, Mayan-Nyan was nominated for Album of the Year, Best Afro Pop Album and won Best Engineered Album of the Year.[15]

In August 2020, Nova's single "Yibanathi" featuring Dumi Mkokstad was released as album's lead single, accompanied by music video.[16] In January 2021, his studio album NguMama was released in South Africa.[17] The album won Best Afro pop Album at 27th South African Music Awards.[18]

In November 2021, his single "Shuku Shuku" was released. The song debuted at number 3 on Radio Monitor Charts.[19]

In early January 2022, Nova began recording studio album AsphelelangeVol1 which is set to be released on March 4, 2022.[20] By February, there were 49 songs already recorded, 8 of which were chosen to the final track listing.[21]

His single "Ndincede" was released on May 5, 2022.[22]

Following his exit with former record label Muthaland Entertainment, Nova established his recording label Nova Sounds in August 2023.[23]

Television

In April 2021, he made his screen debut as judge on Amazing Voices season 2.[24]

Discography

Studio albums

  • Ndimfumene (2009)
  • Walk Into Light (2013)
  • Did It For Love (2014)
  • Naninina (2016)
  • Mayan-Nyan (2018)
  • NguMama (2021)
  • Ndikhethiwe (2022)
  • Full Circle (2024)

Achievements

SA Afro Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2024 Best Male Afro Soul Artist Of Democracy Pending
Ndikuthandile Best Male Afro Song Of Democracy Pending
Himself Best Male Afro Artist Of Democracy Pending

References

  1. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (November 17, 2021). "Vusi Nova introduces his new alter ego 'Snova'". Independent Online. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  2. ^ "Behind The Scenes With Vusi Nova – The Insider SA". The Insider SA. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  3. ^ Modisane, Kgosi (July 25, 2017). "Vusi Nova: How music saved my life — The Citizen". The Citizen. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Boshomane, Lebogang (June 12, 2015). "I want to be known as one of the best vocalists who ever lived': Vusi Nova". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  5. ^ "Vusi Nova – Walk Into Light (2013, CD) - Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  6. ^ "South African Music Awards nominees announced - The Mail & Guardian". The Mail & Guardian. May 12, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  7. ^ "Vusi Nova's 'Thandiwe' is the Most Shazamed song in Lesotho | YoMzansi". YoMzansi. December 7, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  8. ^ "Vusi Nova – Real Wired Music | South Africa". Real Wired Music. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  9. ^ Shumba, Ano (November 24, 2017). "SA: Vusi Nova wins two SAAFMAs | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  10. ^ Chrizelda Kekana, Shingai Darangwa (February 9, 2017). "Vusi Nova over the moon via platinum status". Independent Online. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  11. ^ Dlwati, Vukile (November 22, 2018). "Vusi Nova on reaching platinum sales: Am I dreaming? - POWER 98.7". POWER 98.7.co.za. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  12. ^ "'Asphelelanga' honours those who are gone, but not forgotten". South Africa: eNCA. November 24, 2018. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  13. ^ "Vusi Nova Finally Drops Highly Anticipated Album Titled 'Manyan nyan' - SA Music Magazine". SA Music Magazine. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  14. ^ "Vusi Nova's Album Goes Gold". Daily SUN. October 24, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  15. ^ Shumba, Ano (June 1, 2019). "SAMAs 2019: All the winners | Music In Africa". Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  16. ^ "Vusi Nova And Dumi Mkokstad Release 'Yibanathi' Music Video - SA Music Magazine". SA Music Magazine. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  17. ^ Dayile, Qhama (January 29, 2021). "Vusi Nova on his new album NguMama, his friendship with Somizi and plans for 2021 | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  18. ^ Dayile, Qhama (July 31, 2021). "Here's the full list of the SAMA winners | Drum". South Africa. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  19. ^ Nkonki, Anita (February 5, 2022). "VUSI NOVA'S HIT CLIMBS THE CHARTS". Retrieved February 13, 2022 – via PressReader.
  20. ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (February 1, 2022). "First volume #AsphelelangeVol1 will be released on the 4th March 2022". Sunday World. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  21. ^ Tsumele, Edward (February 14, 2022). "Asiphelelenga, a popular song by Vusi Nova grows wings, embracing more artists to honour departed musicians – CityLife Arts". CityLife Arts. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  22. ^ Dayile, Qhama (May 17, 2022). "Singer Vusi Nova sets the record straight on new hit song Ndincede | Drum". Drum. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  23. ^ Darangwa, Shingai (August 31, 2023). "Vusi Nova reportedly parts ways with Muthaland Entertainment as he focuses on his company, Nova Sounds". Independent Online. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  24. ^ Joyce, Liam Karabo. "Vusi Nova returns to 'Amazing Voices' as a judge for season 2". Independent Online. Retrieved February 13, 2022.


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