Bonisa "Nisa Africa" Mndaweni

Nisa Africa – Artist & Band Biography

Born Bonisa Mndaweni in Katlehong, Nisa Africa is a dynamic South African singer, composer, and producer whose music blends soul, storytelling, and powerful live instrumentation.

Raised by a hardworking widowed mother who encouraged creativity from a young age, Nisa's artistic journey began early. She studied drama in high school and went on to perform in theatre and television productions, including appearances on Isidingo and the stage production Jack and the Beanstalk. Alongside her performance work, she also built a career behind the scenes as an art director and make-up artist in film and television.

Driven by a deep curiosity for sound, Nisa immersed herself in vocal training, studio sessions, and musical experimentation while researching the sonic direction she wanted to pursue. Influenced by legendary artists such as D'Angelo, Sade, Marvin Gay, Bob Marley, Erykah Badu, Thandiswa Mazwai, Brenda Fassie, and Simphiwe Dana, she crafted a sound rooted in Afro-soul, jazz, and conscious rhythm.

In 2019, she founded her live band — formerly known as Nisa Africa and The Juice — now rebranded simply as Nisa Africa. The collective is an electrifying eight-piece band featuring backing vocalists, keyboardist, bass guitarist, drummer, and trumpeter. Together they create a rich, layered sound that merges Afro-soul, jazz, hip-hop, raggae and live improvisation into a musical experience that is both soulful and powerful.

Known for their magnetic stage presence and musical chemistry, Nisa Africa delivers performances that are immersive and unforgettable. Each show becomes a journey — from intimate vocal storytelling to explosive instrumental solos — creating a deep connection with audiences.

The band has performed at respected venues and festivals, building a growing fan base and critical acclaim for their authentic sound and vibrant performances.

Nisa Africa released a seven-track EP titled Ithingintjele, available on digital platforms, showcasing her songwriting, production talent, and sonic versatility. The project blends rich musical arrangements with thought-provoking lyrics, reflecting her belief that music is a spiritual channel for expression and healing.

Currently, Nisa Africa continues to perform live while developing new music and preparing live recordings that capture the band's raw on-stage energy.

With a vision to take her music across continents, Nisa Africa aims to create sound that touches souls, inspires creativity, and contributes a powerful African voice to the global music landscape.