WeeklySA_AdminPURPOSE: As he launches his Here to Stay national tour, the singer reflects on ten years of Naninina, the freedom of independence and the personal experiences behind his songs….
10 MINUTES WITH VUSI NOVA
By WSAM Reporter
Vusi Nova launches his Here to Stay national tour on October 17, celebrating the tenth anniversary of Naninina while introducing fans to songs from his latest EP. Ahead of the opening concert, he discusses his artistic journey, finding purpose and taking his music to the people.
Q: How does this tour differ from a regular booking or performance?
Vusi Nova: This is my first tour as an independent artist. I’ve toured before, when I was signed to EMI, alongside artists such as Mandoza, Ntando, Kwela Tebza, Zuluboy and Rebecca Malope, among many others. But this is my first tour of this kind.
It’s about taking the music to the people, the way I was taught. That doesn’t happen as much anymore. It also gives me the opportunity to perform the music my fans really want to hear, rather than being limited to the 35 or 45 minutes usually allocated to artists on a festival or concert line-up.
Q: What can fans look forward to?
Vusi Nova: My supporters can expect all the classics they’ve grown to love and relate to. We’re celebrating ten years of my biggest album, Naninina, so, of course, we’ll be singing along to those songs. I’ll also be performing music from my Here to Stay EP, which people have grown so fond of.
Q: After about 15 years in the music industry, how have you changed as a person and an artist?
Vusi Nova: I’ve been in the industry professionally for about 15 years, and I’m still going strong. I’ve grown tremendously as a person. I’m more mature and wiser because I’ve learned from life’s lessons, including my mistakes. I now have a stronger sense of purpose, and I want to share some of the lessons and knowledge I’ve gained.
Q: Why was it important to celebrate a decade of Naninina with a new EP and a tour?
Vusi Nova: I’m celebrating ten years of my biggest album, Naninina. I thought: why not release an EP on the same date I released that album ten years ago?
It’s also about bringing back the way we used to do things — going on tour, taking the music to the people and celebrating with them.
Q: What does the title Here to Stay mean to you personally?
Vusi Nova: It means so much to me. Firstly, I’ve found my purpose, which is to share love with the world through music.
We’re all going to leave this earth one day, and my biggest fear has always been my name dying with the flesh. Through music, I’ve found something that will allow me to live forever.
I’ve been blessed with the gift of music — and not just music, but timeless music.
Q: Do you connect with the older songs differently now that you’ve experienced more of life?
Vusi Nova: That’s what’s so beautiful about music. You’re transported back to certain situations and feel those same emotions again, but you also understand them better because of ukukhula — growing and maturing — and the passage of time. With time comes wisdom.
Q: Your music explores love, heartbreak and vulnerability. How much comes from personal experience, and is it difficult to open up?
Vusi Nova: Every single song I’ve ever written has been based on a personal experience. The moment I embraced vulnerability, it was liberating.
I think that’s also why people relate to my music: these are things we all go through at some point in our lives. It gives people a sense that they’re not alone.
Q: What have you learned about your fans and the business of music?
Vusi Nova: I’ve learned that people have so much love, loyalty and trust because of the music, and I couldn’t feel more blessed.
I’ve also learned not to focus only on making music, but to pay attention to the business side as well. It’s important to build wealth for my loved ones so they have a platform to realise their dreams earlier, while also passing on the knowledge I’ve gained along the way.
