FirstWorks Teams up with Uptown Theater to Present Inspirational South African Vocalist, Nomfusi, in Concert February 7
The soul of Mama Afrika meets the fire of Motown and Soul in a pint-sized packet of dynamite
Providence, RI—FirstWorks, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting art with audiences, announced a concert featuring South African Soul-Diva Nomfusi, presented in partnership with the Uptown Theater. The performance takes place on Saturday, February 7, 7:30 PM at the Uptown Theater at 270 Broadway in Providence. For tickets and previews visit firstworks.org.
“FirstWorks is thrilled to kindle a new partnership with the exquisitely restored Uptown Theater in Providence,” said Kathleen Pletcher, FirstWorks’ Founding Executive Artistic Director. “Forging strong partnerships across our creative community is core to FirstWorks’ mission. Together, we welcome our audiences to experience the music of Nomfusi, a powerhouse voice of female empowerment and an important destination on our Global Journey.”
Nomfusi’s music is a fearless mix of genres, from joyful Township sounds punctuated by percussive Maskandi guitars, to Afropop, Afro-soul, and soulful Ballads touched by Gospel. Likened by critics to a young Miriam Makeba with a twist of Tina Turner, the multiple SAMA and Metro FM Award nominee embraces both her African heritage and the sounds of Soul and Motown she grew up with.
With over 30 international tours under her belt, Nomfusi has become one of South Africa’s most sought-after performers since she launched her music career in 2009. Through sheer will and determination, she rose from the squalor of South African squatter camps where she was raised to some of the finest stages of the world, performing alongside legends such as Lionel Ritchie, Angelique Kidjo, and Hugh Masakela. Nomfusi also burst onto the silver screen in 2013, starring as Miriam Makeba in the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”
Nomfusi’s inspiring life story was described by Rolling Stone South Africa as “the sort of story Hollywood is bound to snap up.” She was born in 1988 under the grip of Apartheid in the South African township of KwaZakhele and was raised by her single mother, Kwazibani (which means “Who Knows?” in Xhosa.)
A domestic worker by day, Nomfusi’s mother was also a Sangoma (which means “African medicine woman” in Xhosa) with a natural gift for music. Nomfusi would accompany her mother to weekly Sangoma rituals. It was there where she developed a love for performing and crafted her artistic identity by dancing and singing for hours.
Nomfusi was orphaned at age 12 when her mother died of HIV / AIDS. An aunt took her and her siblings in, before succumbing to the same deadly disease three years later. Undeterred, Nomfusi turned her tragic situation around to become one of South Africa’s brightest, most recognizable stars.
Nomfusi strives to inspire others with her worldview that “life is about choices” and that “one has to overcome the poverty of the mind first.” Her compassion has led her to doing outreach work at schools for at-risk youth in Soweto, Swaziland, and Malawi, and creating opportunities she didn’t have for the next generation. As part of her Providence engagement, Nomfusi will engage with the FirstWorks Arts Learning program, reaching Rhode Island students with life-changing arts experiences and empowering artist stories.
About FirstWorks
FirstWorks is a non-profit based in Providence, Rhode Island whose purpose is to build the cultural, educational and economic vitality of its community by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education programs.
Now entering its 22nd year, FirstWorks festivals, performances and programs have attracted more than one million participants since its founding in 2004. Reaching students in school districts across the state, FirstWorks has impacted over 23,000 youth through transformative arts education experiences.
FirstWorks is the founding partner of PVDFest and has collaborated with the City of Providence to curate and produce the City’s free, signature arts celebration since 2015. Embracing collaboration, FirstWorks has fostered over 90 community partnerships across business and social service sectors. Across its 2024-25 season, FirstWorks produced over 60 events, employed more than 400 artists, and reached upwards of 3,300 Rhode Island youth.
Visit firstworks.org to learn more.
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